Pushing Boundaries symposium a great success

The recent one-day 'Pushing Boundaries' international symposium at Staffordshire University provided a forum for professional and aspiring makers to reflect on and discuss new ideas within national and international crafts practice.

 

The morning consisted of presentations by five speakers.  Themes for discussion included; approaches to practice, new markets for work, connecting to other modes and ideas of practice through exchange and collaboration. Particular emphasis was placed on international working and perspectives.

 

The afternoon consisted of breakout sessions in which delegates were invited to engage in discussion with the panel. Themes from the sessions were fed back for a wider panel discussion during the plenary at the end of the day.  In addition, the Symposium provided an ideal networking day for makers and other professionals within the Craft sector.

 

James Evans, jeweller, writer and critic, chaired the day.The speakers were:

 

Lin Cheung, jeweller

Neil Brownsword, ceramicist.

Maxine Bristow, textile practitioner.

Schnuppe von Gwinner, curator and Director Craft 2eu, Germany.

Karl Fritsch, jeweller, Germany.

 

Breakout sessions were supported by: maker Helen Carnac, curator Lesley Millar and writer Kate McIntyre.

 

Staffordshire University, Faculty of Arts, Media and Design in partnership with Craftspace and Designer Maker West Midlands organised the event to accompany the ‘Made in the Middle’ national touring exhibition.  It also forms part of the Faculty of Arts, Media and Design’s continuing involvement in projects that stimulate design and creativity in the Staffordshire region.

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Pushing Boundaries Paper

Following the international symposium the organisers have commissioned James Evans the chair of the symposium to write an article summarising the discussions, themes and issues which emerged from this international event.

 

The ensuing article will be published here.