3 Days of Design

I was overjoyed to debut a new series of work at 3 Days of Design in Copenhagen, marking my first ever international exhibition.

I was invited to exhibit a new series of work with Objective Studies alongside nine other international artists, including Scottish silversmith and fellow Glasgow School of Art graduate, Scott Smith.

These new works, titled ‘Cuan’, have evolved from ‘Lùbte’ the steam-bent baskets I debuted at Collect in 2023. Like Lùbte, they’re sculptural pieces made using traditional techniques I learned while studying traditional clinker boatbuilding. These pieces however have evolved into purely sculptural, lighter, more playful pieces that celebrate my love of the sea.

'Cuan’ means ocean in Gaelic. Living by the sea in the north west Highlands, these pieces look to the soft curves of waves for their form.

They’re made of finely milled Scottish Elm, steam-bent without mold or former, to create truly soft, expressive waves.

Once curved, I cut and hand-sanded the elm, buffed and oiled it (again, again and again) to showcase the beautiful grain.

I then cut thin leather strips and handwoven them using my signature technique inspired by a desire for zero waste. I created an exact fit for the wooden form before saddle-stitching the woven panel together to the elm to create a two sided wave showing both materials at any angle. I made one in a deep green teal and the other in a bold blue - colours of the sea that sit side by side beautifully.

These new works are currently available at Objective Studies.

Lovely photos by Priszcilla Varga 🌊