Bridgetown, Barbados – A collection of some of the finest Caribbean designers and producers will be found at the 2015 edition of the Autumn Fair, which is taking place at the Birmingham NEC in the United Kingdom (UK), from September 6-9, 2015, under the umbrella brand Design Caribbean. Produced and managed by the Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export), Design Caribbean facilitated the award of grants to eleven designers to attend what is now regarded as the season’s number one gift and home trade event in the UK for international buyers.
Representing eight different Caribbean islands, each of the designers will bring their unique creative concepts to the Design Caribbean stand while showcasing handmade jewellery and home accessories, in addition to highlighting the diversity and depth of Caribbean design.
From Barbados, Earthworks will be displaying their whimsical lines of red clay ceramics alongside Guyanese producer Rainforest Pottery, who presents a contemporary interpretation of traditional Amerindian motifs etched into clay sculptures made from Guyanese kaolin and also natural red clay. Also from Guyana, utilising a different medium, Amazon Authentics creates both decorative and functional original pieces from differing types of tropical woods recovered from commercial logging waste.
The heart and soul of Haitian artist Josnel Bruno, can be seen in the distinctive pieces of home accessories created through the reshaping of recycled oil drums. Whilst portraying the diversity of Haitian creativity, Bijou Lakay will present an exquisite range of hand-made jewellery that reflects the rich cultural heritage of Haiti. Other jewellery designers to attend will be Designs By Nadia of Saint Lucia and Reve out of Jamaica. Both jewellery producers utilise a mix of natural materials found within the natural landscape of their respective islands and are able to offer two distinctively different collections that embody Caribbean flair and creativity at its best.
Also from Jamaica, Hands in Clay artist Robert Campbell and BAUGHaus Design Studio produce a range of home décor accents ranging from sculptures and paintings to modern ceramic tableware, lighting and furniture. As we move to Trinidad and Tobago, designer Marlon Darbeau will showcase his new lines of reinterpretation of traditional or familiar items into innovative new objects using family traditions in metal and woodwork combined with graphic design. Finally, from the twin islands of St Kitts and Nevis, self-confessed obsessor’s of art Reecii proudly brings beautifully handmade bags, which marry traditional techniques of weaving and crochet into modern design upcycling waste materials and using natural fibres.
Design Caribbean is inspired by the passion and talent of both distinguished and aspiring artists, showcasing the very best of the region’s finest hand made products and innovative designs in contemporary craft. Full details of the exhibiting firms can be found on www.designcaribbean.com
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