QEST at the Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair

QEST is delighted to be showcasing works by five scholars at the Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair in Manchester next month (13-16 October). Now in its 15th year, the fair features over 200 talented makers exhibiting their work across a wide range of crafts in the iconic heritage location of Victoria Baths. Here are some details on the QEST Scholars who will be joining us at the event:

Effie Burns forages everyday natural objects and, like an alchemist, she transforms them through the processes of casting, gilding and engraving to create a series of miniature glass sculptures. Made to be held in the palm of your hand.

Cherry Chung uses natural materials – primarily willow, bark and rush – to make sculpture and basketry. Her practice encompasses undertaking commissions, working with arts organisations and community groups, and teaching. She enjoys the diversity that her work allows her, and all of it is connected by a love of weaving.

Natalia Kasprzycka is an artist investigating the intersection between pottery, geology and memory and the relationship between ceramics and site by studying found materials like clay, rocks and ash. Trained as a potter, she is endlessly fascinated with the intimate relationships people develop with pots designed for the home and kitchen.

Robert ‘Umberto’ Walker is an artist, artisan and educator who is passionate about typography, craft, detail and keeping heritage skills alive. A lifelong learner trained in a multitude of signwriting techniques, his speciality is verre églomisé.

Valérie Wartelle is a fine artist whose practice is rooted in the traditional craft of wet felting, and the manipulation of textiles as an expressive art form. Taking the rural environment as her inspiration, she draws on its colour and form to create contemplative semi-abstract artworks rich in climate, texture, and light.