Rock Sparkle Belfast (1/2)

Who the hell is Cyril Flannigan? He’s the guy that makes the mad jewellery in Belfast, and if you haven’t heard of him (or Ember Jewellery) you might soon want to.

It was my pleasure to work with Cyril a few years back when he was paying his way as a graphic designer. I knew he had made jewellery in a

past life but being the modest guy that he is I had no idea of the sort of people he had made jewellery for.

You might not have heard of Cyril but you may be more familiar with some of his previous clients – Ozzy Osbourne, The Rolling Stones, ZZ Top, Dave Stewart (Eurythmics), Delores O’Riordan (Cranberries), Motorhead and Tina Turner in her video for the James Bond title track 'Goldeneye'. Cyril has also created for 10 Downing Street, the Sultan of Brunei, the Arab state of Qatar and McLaren.

Cyril discovered his passion for making stunning jewellery during a foundation art year in Canterbury. “I would always find problems in creating some difficult pieces, but really loved solving those problems. In fact if I didn't have something difficult to figure out it wasn't a real challenge for me.”

From there Cyril went onto create jewellery for a number of reputable goldsmiths - Padgham and Putland, London's Grant McDonalds and Richard Fox Associates as well as the world famous The Crazy Pig (click here for some examples). And now he is back in Northern Ireland and has started up one of Belfast’s funkiest new ventures - Ember Jewellery.

“I decided to start Ember Jewellery because I wanted to get out of graphic design, which I got into because the money was good ... but my real passion was in making jewellery. When the recession hit I eventually found myself unemployed like so many people in the same field, I found it impossible to get a graphics job...this was the perfect opportunity to cut myself free.”

We don’t usually like to get commercial on Secret Belfast but I’m such a big fan I’m sacking it for a one off...Ember Jewellery has a terrificly affordable portfolio of jewellery for you to choose from and Cyril also offers bespoke pieces made to your specific requirements... plus it’s not to late to get your orders in for Christmas. To have a look at some of what’s on offer visit Ember Jewellery on FACEBOOK (click here).

Next up I'll be asking Cyril more about what goes into making Jewellery for Rock Royalty...keep posted!

Secret Belfast Art | This Thursday!

Belfast’s Craftworkshop is opening it’s new Art Gallery this Thursday (2^nd December) and Secret Belfast is very proud to be involved. As with all Craftworkshop ventures it promises to be a Gallery with a difference – concentrating on Belfast’s underground artists.

The Craftworkshop, the brainchild of Emma Gilles, is already home to style, music, design and invention and exists to embody the character of our City and all the crafty people that live here.

Emma Gilles is a one-woman creative worldwind always looking for new inspiration and is intent on creating a space where unknown local talent and the general public meet.

Emma explains the reason for opening the new gallery.

“When I opened the doors to Craftworkshop I was stunned by the Art that was brought through the door and the interest it generated. I immediately saw a gap for Joe Bloggs to come in off the street and check out the visual spectacle.

“Art makes people smile chat and interact and that’s all that matters. I want to attract people that would not normally visit an art gallery so they can see what they are missing out on.”

Emma has been creating her own art since she was a child and selling art in her hip hair saloons since the late Nineties. When looking for new pieces she looks out for “good design that is well made, clever and pretty dam Crafty!”

The new gallery will include contemporary, conceptual and antique pieces - everything from Sculptures to Silversmiths and Fine Art to Vintage.

Everyone is invited to the Craftworkshop, 29 Wellington Place, on Thursday 2^nd December from 6pm to 8pm for the opening night of the exhibition part of Late Night Art.

Secret Wars Belfast

Belfast Vs Glasgow + Hydroponic Hi-Fi

Saturday 20 November, 9pm
Black Box Belfast, Hill Street
£5 on the door

Secret Belfast is very excited about the upcoming Belfast leg of the global phenomenon that is Secret Wars, taking place in the Black Box this weekend.

Secret Wars has travelled across the world, spread by word of mouth and taking place in darkened bars, from New York to Tokyo. The world’s premier art battle returns to Belfast this Saturday with a special competition between Belfast and Glasgow.

Secret Wars is like a Fight Club for artists, where teams go head-to-head to fill up a white wall with nothing but skill and black markers. The Glasgow team is made up of three renowned Scottish street artists – Jack Douglas, Conzo and Vues One. The Belfast team boasts Kev Largey, aka KVLR, David McClelland and Morgy. Each team has 90 minutes to prove themselves with winners being decided by crowd reaction and the judging panel.

One of Belfast’s best-loved club nights, Hydroponic Hi-Fi, provide the soundtrack to the evening: Top Ranking Reggae featuring selector Michael McKeown and live vocals from MC Krow. Hydroponic Hi-Fi cover all angles of Reggae – dub to dancehall and rocksteady to roots, with a sprinkling of ska for good measure.

To check out some of the artwork from Secret Wars battles around the world go to www.secretwars.co.uk. See you there!

Craftworkshop Belfast | Winter Events

SPECIAL EVENTS in the CRAFT WORKSHOP TEAROOMS

TEA AND TUNES

BYO

"We welcome you to bring your own drinks for a small corkage charge and invite you to choose from our tasty Craftea menu. Sodas toasted and hot buttered Veda too!" Emma Gilles (proprietor Craftworkshop, 29 Wellington Place)

November 13^th 1pm-5pm

DJ VENUS

DJ Venus takes us on a cultural journey with worldwide musical gypsy beats

November 20^th 1pm-5pm

MASK MAKING

Steve Lally returns for a Mask Making workshop (booking advised)

Crafty Folk Irish Session Music

December 2^nd 6pm – 9pm

CRAFTWORKSHOP ART GALLERY LAUNCH (Part of Late Night Art)

Showcasing artists and crafts people from all over Ireland we have over 30 ‘Secret Belfast’ artists exhibiting everything from sculpture and goldsmithing to fine art.

All welcome

This exhibition will run until January 30^th 2011

December 4^th 1pm-5pm

CRAFTY FOLK IRISH SESSION MUSIC

DJ Kitsch will be playing every Saturday afternoon to warm up for our events.

For more info contact Emma Gilles via www.facebook.com/craftworkshop or text 07599 289 176

Learn a new Craft in Belfast

Craftworkshop

29 Wellington Place

Thursdays 6pm-8pm

Saturdays 10am-12pm & 1pm-3pm

"Our new ‘Craft Workshops’ are for the public with all levels of ability to learn a new craft in relaxing inspiring surroundings. Want to make something? Or be taught by highly skilled crafts people in the our quirky shop. MON IN you’re welcome!" Emma Gilles (proprietor, Craftworkshop)

Running up to Christmas

DOODLE STITCH

ILLUSTRATION

HAIR STYLING

APPLY MAKEUP

CANDLE MAKING

ENCAUSTIC ART

Running after Christmas

KNIT
SEW
STITCH
SKETCH
DJ-ING
MODEL MAKING
CUSTOMISE CLOTHES/FURNITURE
SUGAR CRAFT

COCKTAIL MAKING

The workshops will be very informal and fun and all the Crafty guests will be treated to tea in the tea room. Guests will also get discount coupons to use in Craftworkshops hip hair salon.

Booking is advised and Gift Vouchers are available. Contact Emma Gilles via www.facebook.com/craftworkshop or text 07599 289 176

Secret Belfast Art | Ken’shin Jones

Belfast's Craftworkshop is opening a new Artspace for local underground artists on December 2nd, and Secret Belfast is playing our part by helping find unknown artists in Belfast.

When I sent out the message on Secret Belfast explaining what we were looking to do, the Facebook wall and my inbox was soon bunged with images and links from an eclectic bunch of artists.

One of the artists in my inbox that caught my attention was Ken’shin Jones. I managed to coerce Ken’shin into doing a quick interview for the blog...check out the interview, as well as some of Ken’shin’s art below.

Hello Ken'shin, thanks for speaking to us.

You're welcome

How would you describe your art?

I’m not sure what genre I fall under, I don’t really worry about stuff like that. I just know what artists I like and what I like to create.

What artist’s work do you look at before embarking on a new project?

There are a load of different people whose work I like. I think Magnus Blomster’s illustrations are pretty cool, striking and original which is what I like. Cryssy Cheung is another illustrator who’s work I am a big fan off – very distinctive. Gary Fernandez is probably my favourite illustrator at the minute – lots of lines and shapes and all slightly warped.

All these illustrators have created very complex work, but I prefer a simpler canvas, which is why I also look to photographers a lot for inspiration. Irving Penn creates very striking simple images that are also very stylish. I like the simplicity of Lillian Bassman’s black and white portraits.

But you can find inspiration anywhere. I was down in the Black Box a few months ago and there was work by a local artist called Peter Strain (I think!) and I thought it was very distinctive. Kev Largey is someone who’s work I always enjoy. I was down at BASE and loved seeing what everyone was up to.

What sets you apart from other artists?

I am very much a 21st Century person. I love all things digital and like that reflected in my art. I also like to keep up to date with what is going on in fashion and music both locally and overseas.

There are so many different trends emerging in Belfast, each with their own very individual style and that is great for a bit of inspiration. But in today’s digital world you are only a Google search away from seeing what is going on in other countries.

Ken’shin will be exhibiting at the upcoming Secret Belfast Art Exhibition in the Craftworkshop (29 Wellington Place) along with a host of other undiscovered talent.

The exhibition will open on December 2^nd (7-9pm) and will be running throughout December.

Hallowe'en in Belfast

There is so much going on in Belfast over the weekend I thought other than bombard Facebook and Twitter with the info I would write a quick blogpost of 10 things I like the sound of.

In no particular order:

1. Plot 15 Supperclub are hosting their underground restaurant experience, last I heard there were a few spaces // Friday 29th (click here)
2. QFT's Hallowe'en Special screening of The Exorcist: the Director's Cut // Sat 30th (click here)
3. The Goblin Market at the Black Box // Sat 30th (click here)
4. Hellzapoppin' presents Hellzaween at The Terrace // Friday 29th (click here)
5. Hallowe'en Fancy Dress Pub Quiz and Disco in the Errigle // Sat 30th (click here)
6. Children's book launch at No Alibis (Lost Dogs by Garrett Carr) // Sat 30th (click here)
7. Hallowe'en Burlesque Party at the Black Box // Sat 30th (click here)
8. Miss Havisham presents Vintage Tea Party // Sun 31st (click here)
9. Volume Control presents Heathers, Kerry Leatham and the Wonder Villains // Fri 29th (click here)
10. For those who want to ignore Hallowe'en altogether - The Royal Ulster Academy show at the Ulster Museum // free tour on Saturday at 2.30pm (click here)

This is by no means a comprehensive list, so if there is something you feel has been left out leave a comment.

Happy Hallowe'en from Secret Belfast