Making Conversations Podcast

The first episode this series, we went on tour to the Annual Degree show at Ulster University (07 June - 15 June 2019) where we had the opportunity to speak to a few fresh graduates from the Silversmithing & Jewellery and Ceramics departments. ​Featured graduates in this conversation are: ​Rosie Elwood, Lisa Allan, Cara Mahon, David Samuel, Megan Clingman, Patricia McAuley and Thomas Horner.

Textile Artist Mairead McCormack from Randalstown, County Antrim features in the first of five maker conversations in this first series of Making Conversations Podcast. Mairead speaks honestly about her journey into becoming a maker, discusses the processes and inspirations behind her work, opportunities she has recently undertaken and her aspirations for the future.

Glass-blower Helen Hancock, who is based in Limivady, Northern Ireland, features in this second episode of five maker conversations in our first series of Making Conversations Podcast. Helen, who is also a doula and breastfeeding counsellor shares her unique making journey and discusses her radical making processes that open up conversations about natural feeding.

Contemporary Irish Goldsmiths; Martin Cameron and Laura Breen of Cameron & Breen - are based in Randalstown, County Antrim, Northern Ireland and feature as our guests in this third episode of five maker conversations for our first series of Making Conversations Podcast.

Designer & maker Nicola Gates of Olla Nua - who is based in North Belfast, Northern Ireland, specialises in woven textiles and features as our guest in this fourth episode from our first series of Making Conversations Podcast.

Designer and potter Fiona Shannon, who is based at Flowerfield Arts Centre in Portstewart, features as our guest for the final episode of five maker conversations from Series 01. Fiona discusses her journey to ceramics and how she manages her business as well as speaking about the realities of being a maker.

Ceramicist Zara McLaughlin of Zara Ceramics is our guest for the first episode of this second series. Series two of Making Conversations Podcast has been funded by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland as part of their Artist Emergency Programme.

Silversmith Stuart Cairns is our guest for the second episode of our second series. Series two of Making Conversations Podcast has been funded by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland as part of their Artist Emergency Programme.

Belfast maker Deborah Toner joins us as our guest for the third episode of our second series. Series two of Making Conversations Podcast has been funded by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland as part of their Artist Emergency Programme.

Goldsmith Tanya Ireland joins us as our guest for the fourth episode of our second series. Tanya speaks about her journey to becoming a Goldsmith and owner of Painted Earth in Newcastle, County Down. Series two of Making Conversations Podcast has been funded by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland as part of their Artist Emergency Programme.