Wales Artists & Craftsmen at HD Expo

this entry continues my experience at hd expo in vegas, one of the largest expos and conferences for the hospitality industry with over 1,000 exhibitors available over 3 days as well as numerous panels, workshops, networking opportunities and award ceremonies. after about 5 hours of walking through both floors of the hd expo, i stumbled across a wonderful surprise. there was a group of artists and craftsmen from wales exhibiting their metalwork, textiles, hand-painted tiles, unique clock art, and textile art. it was a nice surprise and contrast to the many mass produced products i had seen all day.


it was exciting to meet some of the artists who created these magnificent items like award-winning woven textile artist and designer Laura Thomas. her delicate textile constructions and intricately laser cut patterns on fabrics like leather are encapsulated in acrylic to make striking wall panels and freestanding sculptures. i love the contrast of a delicate textile trapped in a sturdy case. it's also a clever method for preserving antique textiles and i'd love to collaborate with laura someday for an interior design project. i can picture her work in so many spaces, especially hospitality, like a spa, restaurant or boutique hotel lobby.




the lovely award-winning duo of mike and carol francis who both studied fine art and after graduating from prestigious art schools, moved to a thatched cottage in east anglia (how romantic!) and in 1980 started francis ceramics. they focus on hand-painted tile using traditional methods including delft tile done in cobalt blue and manganese magenta. their work is installed in over 30 countries resulting from collaborations with architects, interior designers and individual clients.





other work represented there included wool weavings from melin tregwynt including throws, blankets, pillows, slippers, accessories and clothing in a wide range of weights, patterns and colors! the company is family owned and was established in 1912 and is located in a white washed wool mill in a remote wooded valley on the pembrokeshire coast. there has been a mill on that site since the 17th century! in addition to their stock items, they offer custom options and have collaborated with talents like comme des garcons, birkenstock, descamps and martha stewart living and have worked with many top hotels.



there was also an award-winning blacksmith, ann catrin evans, with her striking objects that appear initially as art, but after closer examination, their function is revealed. she focuses mostly on doorknobs and doorknockers but also creates lighting, utensils, trophies, furniture, and jewelry. the work is done by hot forge or fabricated, or a combination of both. one of her latest and largest commissions includes 250 items of door hardware for the wales millenium center in cardiff bay. the key was given hand to hand to around the world to link cultural centers together before returning to opening the door for the opening ceremony. so cool!

thank you for all the artists and others who made this exhibit possible. it was worth me walking the whole show floor just so i was sure to get to the back corner to experience some hand-made beauty from wales. perhaps next year at hd expo we will see more artists and craftsmen from other countries.

stay tuned from more from hd expo!