Fishink and the Little Northern Contemporary Craft Fair

Hello all… well I’m back before you even had a chance to miss me lol. Fortunately (and I hope I’m not speaking too soon) the op went well and I was home recovering before I knew it, all done in under 3 hours ! Also it’s not too difficult to work at the mac again, so business as usual, hurrah !

Last weekend I did another of the Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair Events which appear as “Little Northern” Fairs. It was a beautiful sunny sunday in Altrincham and the setting, people and events were all great.

This was how my stand was laid out.

My new prints are available here on the Fishink website. Please have a look as there’s something to suit everyone, commissions available too ! I’ve have a range of Craig and Tone ceramics available, with mugs, vases, plates, bowls and jugs available. Email me if you’d like photos or prices of anything in particular.

One of the friendly faces I was very pleased to see again, was Dry Point and Collagraph artist Louise Jannetta who’s work has a variety of different qualities and themes running through it. Nature and architecture are just two amongst many.

Further on there were some rather fetching ceramics with a retro feel from Daventry based potter Peter Cosentino. These landscape tiles incorporate the mocha technique to produce the row of trees in addition to the use of slips and coloured oxides.

The landscapes, amphibian / fishscale bowls have numerous strips of clay joined together and then at least 5 different glazes placed over the top. I think they are very reasonable priced at just £15 each !

One of my long time favourite illustrators Ruth Green was there, we got chatting about pets and found out that we both have lurchers who look pretty identical, same colouration and all ! Also some lovely work from a relatively new source, textile designer and Manchester based Sally Newall. Again a beautiful hand in her designs and artwork, it will be interesting to see how her work develops.

An unusual and whimsical stall came from Leanne Owen who runs fauxdoe Creations. Wonderfully constructed Fabric Taxidermy Trophy Heads, using quality fabrics from the likes of Harris Tweed, they are all quirky individuals that would add a bit of fun to any home.

My ‘next door stall neighbour’ for the day was jewellery designer Suzanne Claire who kept me smiling telling me antics that her dog gets up to (it was a dog swooping story kinda day !) Her lovely jewellery was french crocheted ( I think I’ve got that right) using different thicknesses of silver wire and other metals. The chain is also pushed into softened silver to create these lovely stud earrings you see below. Also using sewing and beading techniques, suzanne makes everything by hand in her studio.

Lastly, but definitely one of my favourites of the day, the intricate and beautifully designed embroideries by Beverley Holmes-Wright. I loved her soft muted colours and the wonderful and personal interpretations of meadow flowers and seed headed florals. Who would have thought that stars would make such eye catching stems !

Beverley and I spoke about doing some collaborative work together turning some of her flowers into repeat patterns, which is a service I offer to many businesses. Watch this space for some floral inspired results !

All in all a great day. Not a brilliant for sales, but you always take each show as it comes, and there was fierce competition with Liverpool playing Chelsea, an outdoor art market on in the village and of course the lure of a sunny day ! Competition indeed. Thanks to all who allowed me to chat and photograph their work and I look forward to meeting you all again soon.