This remains a unique opportunity for visitors to engage with craft at a closer level and discover what it is that inspire our local designers and makers to create their amazing pieces.
The 2022 exhibitions feature textiles, ceramics, jewellery, homeware, woodwork and leather work. Exhibitions will run from 6th May - 12th June, 16th June - 24th July, 28th July - 4th September.
28th July - 4th September
Deborah Briggs
Island Ceramics
Nielanell
Karlin Anderson
Helen Robertson
Deborah Briggs
Deborah is a textile artist with a background as a scientist. She incorporates scientific elements into her weaving designs, especially focusing on the light and colour that are so spectacular throughout the year in Shetland. The regular and repeated patterns recognised in science are a constant presence across the Shetland landscape in the displays of wildflowers and colour combinations. Deborah weaves her pieces in her studio in Burra and she enjoys working with local wool producers to highlight the beauty of the fleece produced in Shetland.
Island Ceramics
Ellie-Louise Duncan is a Shetlander with a passion for the sea and the coastline. She shapes the clay by hand with the help of a potter's wheel and it is then left to dry for a week before entering the kiln. After the first firing each piece is glazed by hand, with gentle movement to reflect the way the sea moves onto sand. A final high temperature firing creates a piece that will bring Shetland's beautiful coastline into your home.
Nielanell
Nielanell's distinctive pieces are knitted, hand-linked and hand-finished in Shetland using the highest quality yarns in highly original colours and textures. The label was founded by textile designer Niela Nell Kalra in 2008 and collections of unusual, contemporary knitwear are developed from the studio in Hoswick. The pieces in this exhibition are celebrating the beauty and versatility of the cape – the Nielanell signature knit and a garment that can be worn by anybody and everybody.
Karlin Anderson
Karlin returned home to Shetland in 2019 after working as a jewellery designer and maker in Glasgow and London for over 20 years. She is inspired by the stories of the people she creates pieces for, and by the rugged, beautiful landscape and rich, distinctive culture of Shetland. Karlin believes that jewellery is about memories, occasions and wonderful moments in life – her Wings Collection is designed to give the wearer a reminder of who they are, and the hope and strength to soar.
Helen Robertson
Helen creates memorable jewellery, textiles and artworks inspired by Shetland's textile heritage and natural environment. Her highly original work includes elegant, contemporary silver jewellery and fine works of applied art that both celebrate and commemorate Shetland's history and heritage. Each beautiful piece is handmade in her workshop at home in the north of Shetland. Helen also runs popular Speedcrafting workshops across Shetland and online.
Images (c) Drummie-Bee
