DECOUVERTE : Karen Elizabeth Donovan – titanium from the Highlands

Karen Elizabeth Donovan, Edinburgh College of Art, MA Distinction (june 2014), masterfully moves that hardest of metals titanium to create exquisite filigree-like necklaces bracelets and Highland Clan brooches gently tinted in blues, greens and golds. Scotland’s rich social history, its flora, and the materiality of titanium are her inspiration: “Plants define the character of a Nation or place. In Vermont, where I was born, we define ourselves by the Maple Tree. In Scotland we are often defined by the Thistle…..Titanium 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 is sensual and it is home.”

Karen Elizabeth Donovan – 2014 Chain No. 1, Titanium – masters degree work

Karen Elizabeth Donovan – 2014 Chain No. 1, Titanium – masters degree work- detail

Karen Elizabeth Donovan -  2014 Lace, Titanium  – masters degree work

Karen Elizabeth Donovan - 2014 Silver, Titanium and Sterling Silver – masters degree work

Karen Elizabeth Donovan – 2014 « Overgrown », Titanium, Niobium and Silver – masters degree work

Karen Elizabeth Donovan – 2014 Highland Clan Badges: Murray, Titanium and Steel

Karen Elizabeth Donovan -  MacDonald clan badge shown with heather  – How I envisioned them being used. With the concept of my Highland Clan Badges being used to identify the clan a person come from based on the plant they are wearing, these invite the wearer to pick their on sprig of Heather, Myrtle or Juniper!