Cork Craft Month Unveils 99 Events, Spotlighting Artisan Charlie Mahon

URGENT UPDATE: Cork Craft Month is underway, featuring a staggering 99 events across the city and county, showcasing the incredible talents of local artisans. This year marks the festival’s 16th anniversary, and the spotlight is on Charlie Mahon, a renowned ceramicist proudly presenting his work at two major exhibitions.

The festival, now live, includes 80 hands-on workshops designed to engage and inspire crafts enthusiasts. Mahon’s distinctive ceramic sculptures are on display at Fota House in Carrigtwohill for the “Echoes of the Makers” exhibition, alongside another piece featured in the “Voice of the Craft” exhibition at St Peter’s on North Main St, Cork.

“I was studying sculpture and ended up doing ceramics,” Mahon reflected on his journey that began at the Crawford College of Art and Design in the 1980s. The economic challenges of that time shaped his path, prompting him to pursue further studies in the United States. With a scholarship in hand, he honed his skills for two years in Mississippi, learning the craft that would define his career.

Mahon returned to Ireland to support his family’s business and eventually worked in various pottery jobs, including a pivotal role at Stephen Pearce Pottery in Shanagarry. Despite facing setbacks during the 2008 financial crash, which devastated the market, Mahon persevered, returning to ceramics with renewed passion around 2017, thanks in part to the encouragement of Máiréad McCorley at Cork Craft & Design.

“I make between 100 and 200 pieces a week now,” Mahon said, acknowledging the seasonal nature of the crafts market. His recent move to a larger studio in Euro Business Park has significantly improved his working conditions, allowing him to focus on production while his wife manages their shop at the English Market.

Amidst the thriving craft scene, Mahon advocates for the inclusion of diverse voices in the curatorial process. “What we need is new curators, showing a greater variety of work,” he emphasized, commending initiatives like those by Ava Hayes during Cork Crafts Month.

The craft industry in Cork is flourishing, with Cork Craft & Design maintaining two galleries and numerous outlets throughout the county. Mahon expressed excitement about having multiple pieces featured this year, despite the unpredictability of ceramics, where around 14% of work may not survive the firing process.

As Cork Craft Month continues, the community is invited to explore the wealth of talent and creativity that defines the local crafts scene. Mahon’s works are not just functional; they are conversation pieces that tell stories, and he aims to produce more wall-hanging sculptures to meet the demand from galleries.

Stay tuned for more updates as Cork Craft Month unfolds, celebrating the artistry and resilience of local makers like Charlie Mahon. Don’t miss the chance to experience the vibrant craft culture in Cork today!