We chat to Fiadh Durham, the lady behind the eponymous Fiadh Woven Designs which is inspired and made on the Dingle peninsula. Faidh’s shop is located on Main Street and her beautiful scarves, baby blankets, cardigans and headbands can be found in Brown Thomas and on her online shop.
Why do you love what you do ?
I feel privileged to be able to share my love and enthusiasm for things I find beautiful in life. Starting with the inspirational photos from my rambles in nature and then working with my team designing and making pieces by hand and finally seeing the finished product being worn and enjoyed.
What was your career path to where you are now ?
I went to art college with the idea to study fashion design and realised in core year that it was more textiles where my future lay and I specialised in woven textiles for my degree.
Everything I did following that was with a mission to learn and it still is. From working in the industry while continuing my own creative work, traveling to different parts of the world to meet designers, weavers and then setting up my own weaving business.
Tell me about a typical day for you and your business.
My day normally starts with planning and organising, followed by designing, weaving or sewing. Lots of variety and challenges but I think it suits my mind and way of working.
Is there any particular designer that you really admire ?
Fashion designer Simone Rocha, painter Mark Rothko for use of colour. Inis Meain Knitwear for gorgeous product, story and brand. I’m also lucky to be inspired by my two very talented painter friends from the Corca Dhuibhne peninsula – Áine Ní Chaoibhán and Honora O’Neill who are also inspired by the sea.
Give me two things that inspire you ?
Colour and patterns in nature.
Beautifully executed expressions of creativity.
Tell me about your idea of a perfect day in Dingle 
Grab some delicious take away food from Thyme out, head up Mount Eagle for a picnic, down to Coumeenole for sunset surf followed by a pint in Paddy Bawn Brosnans or Dick Mack’s. With my lovely friends!
What is your favourite part if the day ?
Taking my time with my porridge and coffee in the morning and mindfully preparing myself for the day.
Where is your favourite place on the Dingle peninsula ?
Cúl Dorcha Beach. I grew up just up the road from there and I feel like it’s a bit of an unknown little gem of a spot looking out at Árd Na Caithne harbour.
If you won the Lottery what would be the first thing you would do ?
Support the exploration and development of Irish renewable fibers such as wool, hemp and flax. Also to build a multidisciplinary textile workshop/creative space for exploring the possibilities of these fibers and the use of natural dyes and make Art!
