Louise Rice
Rice Glass
Rice is based at the Leitrim Sculpture Centre. She is known best for her sculptural work which consists of life like mould-blown forms often combining found objects. Rice’s work at Showcase is a new range of wall art which uses bullseye glass and powdered enamels to depict natural flora. The work is elegant and well presented with an affordable price point. This series is sure to be a hit.
Jerpoint Glass Studio
Jerpoint glass is a family run glass studio based in
Killkenny making quality home wear products. The studio and gallery are open
all year round to visitors and you can watch skilled glass blowers at their
trade. At showcase this year Jerpoint brought a selection of their production
range which is full of multiple colours. They have also just released a new
range called Cherry Blossom with is a soft pale pink and uses optic moulds for
a delicate, vintage feel; a great product for Valentine’s Day and springtime.
Jonathon Ball
Glass and Metal Artist
Trained as a blacksmith Ball studied glass blowing at Edinburgh college of art. He is now based at the Leitrim Sculpture Factory. Ball combines his knowledge of blacksmithing with his glass skills to create bespoke pieces of sculpture. The pieces on display at Showcase this week include a triptych of large glass anvils. The sides of these pieces are left with an opaque finish and the tops polished to a transparent window through which one can peer inside. The large glass and metal sculpture uses blown pieces of glass and is a striking feature as one walks up the stairs to the top level of the building.
The Irish Handmade Glass Company
The Irish Handmade Glass Company was set up in Waterford after the closure of the Waterford Crystal Factory in 2009. They have a passion for continuing the tradition of glass blowing in the area and all the work is handmade at the studio. Their work at showcase was highly colourful, the most memorable pieces being their large spun glass plates. They are also releasing a special Emblems of Ireland range for the 2013 Gathering.
Terence MacSweeney
Kerry Crafted Glass
Kerry Crafted Glass is based in Killarney and is also open
to visitors, they offer free glass blowing demos but to avoid disappointment
you should contact them in advance of your trip. Their work uses an earthy
colour pallet to create functional home wear such as vases, plates and candle
sticks. Their glass lamps use coloured firts to create soft coloured shadows in
a room. As well as their blown work they have some fused pieces, a range of
glass mirrors.
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