40 Objects for 40 Years
Shelanu’s Kiln
Shelanu is our collective of migrant and refugee women working with Craftspace to develop craft skills, confidence and well-being through social enterprise. The group works with artists to produce high quality craft for sale which is inspired by place and diverse cultures.
Shelanu often work alongside artists to learn professional craft skills. They developed their first collection, Migrating Birds, in 2012 supported by Birmingham-based jeweller Rita Patel. Exploring the theme of migration, the members wanted to make jewellery inspired by birds and were keen to add colour to their work. Artists Janine Partington and Jessica Turrell worked with the group to teach them how to apply and fire enamel in the kiln.
Shelanu members share the skills they have learned with new women when they join the group. Sharing their skills with each other and is an important aspect of Shelanu and how it survives.
Nominated by:
Emma D, Craftspace’s Exhibitions and Projects Development Manager.
To celebrate Craftspace’s 40th Anniversary, we commissioned the artist Stewart Francis Easton to create an artwork which would explore the story of Craftspace through 40 objects. Stewart created a series of four beautiful graphic quilts.
