KAREN ELIZABETH DONOVAN
Plants define a character of a Nation or place. In Vermont we define ourselves by the Maple Tree. In Scotland we are often defined by the Thistle. I chose to use plants as inspiration for this reason. As an international individual I exist in two places and define myself by locality.
Scotland has an incredible history. A written history which goes back hundreds of years. There are so many stories here, so many lives lived here. There is a tangible history of jewellery, folklore and plants.
Titanium is familiar, it has a certain feel to it; a noise it makes when I brush my hand across it, and a smell it creates when I pierce, file and sand it. It is lightweight, strong, durable, and springy. It presents challenges to overcome and work around. It can be coloured with electricity or heat. It is sensual and it is home.
Scotland’s rich social plant history and the materiality of titanium are my main inspiration. Colour and pattern are particularly important to my work and are developed through close study of plants and created by the attributes of titanium.
I will continue to explore new patterns and develop my laser colouring technique with titanium. Over the next year I will be setting up my own business in Scotland, and participating in the ECA Artist in Residency programme.
Biographical Details