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constant interactions with people who shape and s
hift all the time. Seeing few computers throughout the week, especially given these were our tools of creation and connection for the last 18 months, was reassuring; in their place were humans interacting and solving challenges through conversation, craft and companionship. To see people relying on themselves and their human skills and abilities was poignant and inspiring, a reminder of what we are capable of and a beacon for what we hopefully can all do again, once we’re through this mess. A Return To Craft Everyone involved in Design West is committed to their craft, and to the craft within their craft too. Over the days I am inspired by the likes of Ciarán Ó Gaora from Dublin design agency Zero-G who epitomises taking personal work personally, Superfolk proving their creative endeavours in the wilds of the west are not only viable in Ireland but of interest to the wider world, Porto based Oupas and R2 Design beaming in their brilliance in utterly different ways, and many other inspiring architects, artists, makers and other creators all bringing something special and unique to the event. And that’s just in the classroom. Rumour has photo: Ellius Grace it drawing charcoal is being made in one spot, we spend a lunch beside Killary Fjord learning the craft of the local shellfish producers (and enjoying their delicious spoils), the students are raiding the village hardware store as their ideas are too big for their notebooks, and much more besides. Sunday to Wednesday is all about the thinkThere Is Inspiration Everywhere Following an opening night of great local food, some social drinks and warm, animated conversations, early the next morning the whole Design West contingent are off. Not to a classroom but to the ferry, to Inishturk in fact, where they spend the day navigating this rock just off our island, connecting with the environment, investigating the rugged wildness, stepping on to the pitch of one of the world’s most unique playing fields nestled amongst the rocks, and being shown around by an enthused, engaging local guide. This is learning and inspiration, Design West style. After the day on the island, the tone is set. The classroom is no longer where you think it is, it’s everywhere. From the splendour of Kylemore Abbey, to a hike up Diamond Hill, to the masterclasses and workshops with local luminaries to internationals dialling in to inspire, to much more besides. Sunday to Wednesday is all kinds of everything, and what may have seemed linear briefs to the students before they arrived in Letterfrack has now shapeshifted and transformed in their minds. The inputs and inspirations of these days now inform and challenge the outputs and outcomes that were maybe considered set in stone. Analogue Dialogue Too often we race to the answer before we truly understand the questions being asked of us. At Design West, the insistence is to slow down this approach to perhaps get to a better answer faster, or actually end up in an entirely different destination altogether. This is borne of conversation, challenge, collaboration, co-creation and ing, Wednesday to Friday shift to the doing. The GMIT technicians mobilise and fire up their onsite machinery, the Design West collaborative partners of Unthink, Studio Or (riso printers), The Salvage Press (letterpress), Together We Create and others all get to work to bring the students ideas to life through everything at hand. Here is where ideas formed over the last few days turn into products, prints, flags, zines, furniture and so much more. Mark Making That Makes Its Mark Everyone who comes to Design West arrives as one thing and leaves a little different. What could be seen as an academic excursion is proven to be so much more. Forcing people, albeit with a soft hand, to think differently about how they approach their work, by midweek conversations are shifting to the effect of the event, activities and interactions are impacting on a much deeper level. Vocations are being affirmed, career courses are being corrected or challenged, what was thought improbable is now more than possible. This week away stands the chance of lasting a lifetime, and changing life paths too. designwest.eu A World Class Event At The Edge Of The World In three editions, even with the tiny matter of Covid, Conor and his committed team at Design West have delivered a unique international event at the edge of the Atlantic. They’ve done this through focusing on care, warmth, generosity, community building, ambition, collaboration and bringing everyone who wants to be part of it into their collective journey. As 2021 closes and they look to 2022 and the possibilities the future could hold, I am reassured that upon this bedrock, anything is possible, and with Conor, GMIT and their team at the helm, what can be, will be. 15