About

With a design-led approach, Karen employs a range of traditional techniques to express their ideas exploring our interconnections with the universe. Karen's products are recognised for their subtle, decorative surfaces and being made with traceable precious materials. 

 

A graduate of The Glasgow School of Art and Bishopsland fellow, they now work from their studio in Glasgow. In 2022 Karen completed their PhD research in, 'Border Crossings: A Case for Interdisciplinary Practice in Physics and Craft'. Find out more about this doctoral research via ORCiD. Karen continues to undergo training from experts and master craftsmen across the UK and seeks out new ideas through their research to translate into silver.

 

Commissions are welcomed and items can be personalised on request. Please contact Karen to discuss your ideas.

Events

 

Tea Green

At The National Galleries Scotland

Sunday 24th November 2024

10am - 5pm

Edinburgh

 

Parade Artists Christmas Market 

 

Sat 23th Nov - Sun 1st Dec

10am - 4pm

Wasps Studios, 77 Hanson Street, Glasgow, G31 2HF

Wasps Winter Market

Sat 7th - Sun 8th Dec 2024

11am - 5pm

The Briggait, 141 Bridgegate, Glasgow, G1 5HZ

Awards

2023

Graduate Apprentice Scholarship 2023, South House Workshop Trust

Inches Carr, Established Maker award, Craft Scotland

 

2022

'Silver Migration' project funding from Creative Scotland, Lottery Funding

 

2021

Public Engagement Grant for 'Subjectified: Women, Physics & Art', Institute of Physics

Contemporary Cutlery Design Competition Finalist, The Cutlers' Company

 

2020

EPSRC Innovation Placement with lampworker Helen Chalmers

 

2019

EPSRC Innovation Placement with Durham Precision Optics

Enterprise Challenge Funding for ‘Science Unboxed’, The University of Dundee

The Scottish Goldsmiths Trust Grant for the promotion of Fairmined Silverware at Collect

 

2018

Silversmithing Junior, bronze award, Goldsmiths’ Craft and Design Council

EPSRC Doctoral research funding at The University of Dundee

 

2017

Commended design, Young British Silversmith Competition, The Society of Caddy Spoon Collectors

The Fairtrade Gold Design Awards finallist & highly commended design

 

2016

The Pearson Silver Collection Young Silversmith of the Year

The JG Graves Graduate Award finallist, The JG Graves Charitable Trust

Master Craftsmen Internship, The Goldsmiths' Company

Scottish Craft Awards finallist, The Inches Carr Trust

 

2015

New Designers Silversmithing Award, The Goldsmiths’ Company

GSA Sustainability Prize, Sustainability in Action Group

Peter Wylie Davidson Memorial Prize, The Glasgow School of Art Archives and Collections

Precious Metal Bursary, The Goldsmiths’ Company

 

2014

Outstanding Scottish Student of the Year, Incorporation of Goldsmiths Edinburgh

Carole Harper Memorial Prize, The Glasgow School of Art

 

2013

40th Anniversary Brooch Competition finallist, The Mackintosh Society

"I'm passionate about doing what I can to benefit others and our environment"

Karen Westland

Karen strives to offer contemporary designs with high ethical standards to her clients, and continually looks for ways of improving. Here are examples of how Karen works towards a responsible practice:

 

  1. Quality products, priced fairly

  2. Items are Hallmarked at The Edinburgh Assay Office, in accordance with the Hallmarking Act 1973

  3. Work with re-processed precious metals

  4. Fairmined Licensee

  5. Source gemstones responsibly

  6. Provide minimal, recycled packaging where possible.

  7. Support small businesses including trade experts in the UK

  8. Work with honesty, transparency and respect

  9. This website runs on 100% renewable energy

 

Please get in touch to find out more...