ICON at Brown Thomas in Dublin
Just sent off a series of work to be shown at ICON, a Crafts Council of Ireland show, curated by Angela O’Kelly with Brown Thomas in Dublin. The exhibition in the stores features work from makers in the Irish Craft Portfolio and is great opportunity to see work in an alternative setting, ICON launches on the 15th of May. Next week I will be sending work over to the Kath Libbert Gallery in England for the Mighty MetalSmith exhibition – more on that next week. Currently refreshing some pieces and adding to a few series for that exhibition as well as developing a new series of work which will divide into two separate collections for two shows later in the year.These are Culture Craft, curated by Seliena Coyle in Derry and Setting the Scene, curated by Sara Roberts in the Crafts Study Centre in Farnham. I’m drawing more on the elements and objects I have collected over the last few months and will be looking to push the objects to a rawer, more sculptural feel. More here later but for now here are some of the works sent down to ICON..
Finds 16/04/13
Drawings
A set of small drawings in water colour, ink and oil bar. Slightly abstract reflecting a more expressive approach to my making.
Finds 2/4/13
Found objects from a beach walk, high tide – lots of driftwood and plastic.
Beach finds
First beach walk after the bad weather and strong winds. Found quite a lot of interesting objects so restricted myself to taking just a few pieces. I am particularly drawn to man made objects that are transformed and washed up on the beach. Objects seen as detritus and rubbish but which I find fascinating when encountered out of context. I also gain a great deal of satisfaction from removing these waste elements off the beach. A somewhat minimal and select cleanup.
Urban finds 3/3/13
Latest collection of found objects, found marks and a return to drawing. Planning on getting back into the workshop soon and starting to make again. I have a couple of confirmed exhibitions to work towards(more later).
Finds 22/2/13
Selection of found objects on today’s walk.
Finds 19/2/13
Latest found objects including a connect 4 counter and a used shotgun cartridge. I plan on starting drawing and assemblage with the pieces I have been collecting soon- expect updates here soon. My objective is to create a new body of work with a raw, sculptural feel.
Finds- street walk and beach comb 14/2/13
Collected things…
Street finds 12/2/13 and supplies from Canada
Street finds and supplies sent by a friend in Quebec – including locally produced linen thread!
Stuart Cairns 