Craft meets dance

Ceramics and jewellery are not known for their movement, but for a new exhibition at Craft Central in September, ceramicist Nicole Mueller, jeweller Kathryn Marchbank and fashion designer Andrea Carr will be producing work inspired by dance.

Using the principles of dance choreography, Mueller looked at video footage of people at a dinner table to better understand social interactions and dining movement. This research was then used to develop the lines and functionality of preliminary sketches and the final 3D work. The result is acid-toned ceramic pieces that are designed to created their own choreographed pattern trail as they move across the table.

Marchbank’s jewellery pieces are inspired by both literal interpretations of dance, such as hip-hop and ballet dancers twisting mid-move, or the more abstract patterns inspired my movement and lighting. For this exhibition Marchbank will be exhibiting her latest dance-inspired collection which comprises of wooden animal forms that can be worn or handled.

Fashion designer Andrea Carr, who has established eco fashion label 21 Things I Love with Kim Fleary, will be showing her collection Stretch. Carr has worked with dancers and choreographers to  push clothing design beyond the limits of everyday wear, to create garments that can be used as props during theatrical and dance performances.

Craft Meets Dance runs from 2-19 September 2010 at Craft Central, 33-35 St John’s Square, London EC1M. There will be a number of events throughout the exhibition, including dance performances on the 2 and 18 September and a talk from the artists on 9 September.