A former Donegal jockey whose ceramic animals have become collectors’ items will be showcased at Gifted Contemporary Craft and Design Fair in Dublin’s RDS from December 5-10.
Gifted celebrates the best of over 600 Irish designers and makers from fashion to jewellery and beyond.
Record-breaking crowds of over 45,000 are expected to generate more than €1m per day in sales at this year’s largest-ever six-day fair.
There are a total of 16 local makers taking part at the event, including Donegal Socks from Glenties, Joanne Gamble Jewellery from Burnfoot, Koko Designs from Ramelton and Michi from Letterkenny.
Marina Hamilton from St Johnston is surrounded by her greatest inspiration – animals- in her work on the family farm daily.
Horses have played a key role in her life, not just in art, but also in sport. She is a former jockey and still competes regularly on the cross-country circuit
“I have always been fascinated with the expressions and individual characters of the farm animals and wildlife which I’ve seen at close quarters,” she said.
Although best known as an equestrian artist, Marina has also broadened her range to include other animals, not only in the medium of paint but also ceramics.
“My ceramics have really taken off and a lot of my clients are repeat customers who have maybe bought one animal and would like a few more different ones for a collection,” said Marina.
“It will be my 21st year at the show and although you don’t think your work has changed, when you look back you realise just how much it has evolved.”
Gifted
Gifted is a celebration of the best Irish designers and makers – people who are truly gifted.
Formerly known as the National Crafts and Design Fair, Gifted includes top cutting-edge designers and makers in Irish fashion, ceramics and glass, jewellery, art and photography, children’s gifts and presents inspired by nature.
Gifted 2016
The event also includes a Spectacular Christmas Food Emporium featuring over 120 artisan food producers, taste-tempting visitors with the best of the season’s fare.
The growth in Ireland’s vibrant design sector means that Gifted has been expanded by an extra day to become a six-day unique Christmas shopping experience.
“Giving a Gifted gift to your loved ones this Christmas means that they will be receiving a special item straight from the maker,” said organiser Patrick O’Sullivan.
“We have the top cutting-edge designers and makers in Irish fashion, ceramics and glass, jewellery, art and photography, children’s gifts and presents inspired by nature.”
Gifted offers Ireland’s largest Christmas gift shopping experience with prices starting from as little as €5.
In addition, there will be 10% off everything at the Fair on the opening day, Tuesday, December 5.
Gifted Contemporary Craft and Design Fair takes place at the RDS Main Hall from December 5-10 from 10am each day. Full details and booking can be found at www.giftedfair.ie
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