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.

Secret Belfast X

Just a quick post about our new Facebook Group. Secret Belfast X will operate alongside the current Facebook page, but comes with a whole load of new features which I'm hoping will make it easier to share opinions, stories, events, tips etc. all about Belfast.

We have a few good posts so far, a few interesting things been going on, and yet to come!

1) The Belfast Ghost Tour

2) A circus cabaret school (BYO!)

3) Maybeshewill, Kasper Rosa and Colly Strings playing at Auntie Annies

4) Final night of Don't Shoot the Clowns

5) Saturday afternoon sessions at the Craftworkshop

6) A Hallowe'en burlesque party

7) A silent art auction

8) A Hallowe'en fancy dress pub quiz and disco

9) The Royal Ulster Academy show at the Ulster Museum

10) Love and Death inc

If you want to join up to find out what's going on or to give your input click here.

Thanks - R

A Photography Exhibition by Graham Smith | Belfast

Secret Belfast is very excited about Graham Smith’s upcoming exhibition, "I Like The Way This Is Going" in the Oh Yeah Music Centre running from the 2^nd – 9^th November.

Graham Smith is a photographer and tour manager, based in Belfast, who’s obsession with music has had him travel all over Europe photographing bands and music fans. Smith uses minimum equipment and minimum fuss to capture moods, moments and life on the road.

Don’t expect poses, set-ups or try hard cool. Smith’s aim is to create interesting documentary style images, avoiding the typical and avoiding the obvious.

The past few years have seen the release of Smith’s first solo book, which sold out within 4 weeks, exhibitions across Europe and the coveted Lex Van Rossen award for European Music Photography.

Photographs courtesy of Graham Smith

Live music on the launch night will come from the much respected Oliver Cole, who has played with the likes of Wilco and Ray Lamontagne. The DJ will be Chris Wee from ASIWYFA.

If you are interested in attending the launch you can RSVP on Facebook or visit Graham Smith's website.

Mercury Music Nominees to play Belfast

Secret Belfast is happy to help out our friends at Moving on Music in spreading the word about the brilliant Kit Downes Trio upcoming performance in Belfast.

The trio’s debut album ‘Golden’ was one of only twelve UK and Irish records to be selected for the prestigious 2010 Mercury Music Prize ‘Album of the Year’ title.

Some more information about KDT from the Moving on Music press release:

“Featuring phenomenal jazz pianist Kit Downes, award-winning bassist Calum Gourlay and rising drum star James Maddren, this terrific trio perform original music inspired by a range of influences, from Bela Bartok, to Keith Jarrett, to Rufus Wainwright.”

“A student of the Purcell School of Music and the Royal Academy of Music, pianist/composer Kit Downes exploded onto the British jazz scene playing with acts such as Empirical, Troyka, Fraud and Acoustic Ladyland. He then went on to win the BBC Jazz Award for Rising Star in 2008, as well as a prestigious Yamaha Scholarship in 2009.

“Now, Kit has moved on to his own trio project, which sees him link up with his two Royal Academy colleagues - Calum Gourlay on bass and James Maddren on drums. Playing together since 2005, Downes, Gourlay and Maddren display a level of understanding and intelligence that can only come from working closely together for a number of years.”

The performance will take place at the Sonic Arts Research Centre, Belfast on Saturday 25th September. Doors open at 8.00pm and tickets priced £10 and £7 are on sale now from www.movingonmusic.co.uk and Belfast Welcome Centre (028 9024 6609).

Thought this might be of interest...

Thanks to Paul Beattie for the following post:

"...this is my grandfather whom I never met. He played the organ in the cinemas of Belfast. I haven't been able to track down which cinemas, and my mother is now unable to remember...well...anything. I do remember her mentioning the Astoria, though.

If anyone else has any similar stories leave a comment or email me at joel@secretbelfast.co.uk.

Old secret Belfast cinemas

Emma's first post...

"Finally I get a chance to talk about the interesting people of our great city.I thought I would start with Gary Cosby.An aficionado of Belfast cinemas. Gary was one of the projectionists at the Curzon cinema which is sadly no longer with us now. A world i never really thought about until i spied miniture cardboard buildings in a local bar called Bittles (a Belfast secret to some, go and check out the political amusing art by Joe Okane) after a brief chat with Gary who happened to be standing at the bar as i marveled at what i now knew to be ten mini replicas of old cinemas, The Park,The Windsor, The Picturedrome, Alpha, Lido, Mayfair, Majestic, Odeon and ABC. You can now come and view these truly curious little cinemas at Craftworkshop 29 Wellington Place, I hope you find them interesting as much as i do. Our curiousitea corner has many old Belfast memories we are so pleased to be able to open up for view Garys archive of unseen cinema photographs. As owner of Craftworkshop i would be sad to see the cinemas go as the amount of people that smile and reminisce whilst huddled around the cinemas chatting about days gone by I find it hard to put a price on them. Dare I say I have been offered nearly £1000 for the collection. I may just buy them myself for the shop to keep the curiousitea going!

Introducing Emma Gilles

Emma Gilles is now taking the reins at Secret Belfast. She owns and runs the Craftworkshop which houses an eclectic mix of very cool craft from around the world and work from local artists.

Here is Miriam Rodgers take on Emma and the Craftworkshop

More from Emma soon....