THE CRAFTSPERSON

In partnership with Neptune

WINNER Joe Hogan

Making baskets from driftwood found at Loch Na Fooey, County Galway, Joe Hogan’s work (top left) is rich with the colours of local willow trees, abstract in shape and stunningly beautiful. ‘I just love Joe’s designs and I think he is a true craftsman,’ said Kit Kemp. ‘I particularly admire the large scale he often works to – he’s certainly no shrinking violet!’ Colin Millington

A former merchant seaman, Colin Millington (left) once came across an embroidery of a seascape in an antiques shop and thought it could be a new hobby. By hand, he now creates works of art that depict boats sailing across whale-filled seas, made in his home on the Norfolk coast. ‘When you look at his work you feel like you’re in a little boat yourself,’ said Kit Kemp. ‘He has a complete understanding of water and how to use colours to bring it to life, and there is a story behind every piece.’

Jacob Monk

By binding and dying the warp yarns before they’re woven, weaver Jacob Monk (left) is able to create the most vibrant textiles. It is a painstakingly slow technique, but produces a kaleidoscope of fabric that looks almost technicolour. ‘I like the way he is bringing new life to an old craft, while putting in tireless work to create something that feels ultra-contemporary,’ said Sarah Spiteri.

Sophie Coryndon

The daughter of a cabinetmaker, by the time Sophie Coryndon was 12 she was spending her weekends restoring furniture, learning skills early on that she uses to great effect now. From carving wood to look like plaster and casting metal into such a refined way that it mimics embroidery, her work (left) is both experimental and extraordinary. ‘She plays almost like a cook plays, putting ingredients together to see what she can make,’ says Lulu Lytle. ‘And she comes up with the most remarkable results.’