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
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:
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Quality products, priced fairly
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Items are Hallmarked at The Edinburgh Assay Office, in accordance with the Hallmarking Act 1973
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Work with re-processed precious metals
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Fairmined Licensee
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Source gemstones responsibly
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Provide minimal, recycled packaging where possible.
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Support small businesses including trade experts in the UK
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Work with honesty, transparency and respect
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This website runs on 100% renewable energy
Please get in touch to find out more...
