Three locally-based artists are representing the best of Scotland as part of a delegation to the USA. Craig Mitchell, Rebecca Wilson and Jessamy Kelly are exhibiting their work in Chicago after being selected from some sixty artists by Craft Scotland.
The Edinburgh trio are part of a group of six of the nation’s most talented craftspeople to take part in the international exposition, SOFA Chicago. SOFA, which represents Sculptural Objects and Functional Art, is a key event for the international collectors market, regularly receiving upwards of 35,000 visitors across the three day event.
Scotland accounts for almost 15% of the UK’s total craft businesses working predominantly in jewellery, textiles and ceramics. Craft Scotland is delighted to be representing Scotland and to be able to promote the diverse range of talented makers at such a prestigious event.
Craig Mitchell explores contemporary issues through the medium of ceramics. His work is often humorous although he challenges political and cultural views through his figurative creations. Craig has previously held the position of Lecturer in Ceramics at Edinburgh College of Art and has exhibited his work both within Scotland and internationally. He has previously been commissioned to make eight ‘cat burglars’ for the windows of Hamilton and Inches on George Street, Edinburgh which are still on display.
Rebecca Wilson is a ceramicist who specialises in questioning our disposable society by transforming mundane and familiar possessions into ‘objets d’art.’ Since she completed her MA in Ceramics at Cardiff and has since set up her studio alongside Craig Mitchell at Coburg House in the Leith area of Edinburgh. Rebecca has also exhibited widely throughout the UK and abroad.
Glass artist Jessamy Kelly is a designer-maker who specialises in high quality art glass. As well as her undergraduate degree, she has recently completed a PhD at the University of Sunderland where, along with the help of a material scientist, she spent five years investigating how to fuse ceramics and glass together. The unique material she has developed is the source for a recent body of beautiful artworks. Jessamy is currently acting head of the Glass Department at Edinburgh College of Art.
Speaking ahead of the Chicago event, Craft Scotland CEO Emma Walker said “We are delighted to be working with SOFA and we are very happy in the knowledge that Scotland will be represented at this show. Craft Scotland is a proud ambassador for Scotland when we’re abroad.”
Caroline Parkinson, Director of Creative Development for Creative Scotland said: “Creative Scotland invests in talent to develop both skills and businesses and this prestigious presentation at one of the world’s leading crafts showcases is an excellent platform to promote the quality of work produced in Scotland.”
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