Craft Maker

Eileen Gatt

   Munlochy, Ross-shire
Established Jun-99
Web Address: Email: Telephone: 01463 811631Mobile: 07931 857896
Eileen Gatt

Awards

Selected for Crafts Council Photostore

Droma
Littleburn Road
Munlochy
Ross-shire
IV8 8NN
click for map

Accepts Commissions

Price Range

Prices from £40-£2,000

Visitor count: 2005

The inspiration for my work predominantly comes from a study trip to Alaska where I spent some time with Inuit Artists. I discovered that many of them worked in a similar way to myself in that they were producing 3 dimensional interpretations of myths and stories from their ancient world.

The seal is very well respected by the Inuit people and is viewed as being sacred, they use the seal not only for food and clothing but they also use the blubber for heating, nothing is wasted. In Scottish mythology the seal has also played an important role. These ancient ‘Selkie’ stories described people who lived as humans on land but could transform into seals under the sea.

The pieces I have made make reference to these ancient myths but are combined with elements from our society today. My intention being to create modern amulets, bringing these ancient myths into our contemporary world

I often suspend some of the objects in metal frames or resin blocks – like gallery exhibits as if they are preserved in time.

After graduating from the Royal College of Art in 1997 I returned home to the Scottish Highlands to establish my Jewellery & Metalwork business.

I make ‘one off’ pieces to commission and for exhibition purposes. I also make batch produced collections of Jewellery and silverware. The range includes animal forms, christening cups, bowls, perfume bottles and wall pieces.

I work predominantly in silver but often incorporate 18ct gold and other materials such as wood, acrylic, stone and porcelain to highlight certain aspects of the designs. The forms are pure and simplistic but often have a certain detail which becomes a focal point. Like a small bird or an etched surface depicting scriptures or maps for e.g. I mainly sell through galleries and retail outlets throughout the UK, Europe and the USA.

Awards include:
2002 - The Worshipful Company of Goldsmith's Bursary.
2002 - The Worshipful Company of Goldsmith's Free Stand Award.
2002 - Finalist; Design for Scandinavia Award; Trade Partners UK.
2001 - Finalist; George Little Management International Market Award.
2002 - Business Development Award for participation in Chelsea Crafts Fair; awarded by the Scottish Arts Council.
1999 - Business Start Up Grant; awarded by the Scottish Arts Council.
1997 - RTZ (cra) Travel scholarship award; to study Inuit Art in Alaska.
1996 - The National Trust Founders Medal Prize; in association with the Royal Mint.
1994 - The 'Angela Bradshaw' Design School prize for excellence awarded by Dundee University.

Crafts Council Photostore