Highland Crafts

10 Nov 2005 in Highland, Visual Arts & Crafts

Celebrating the Personal Touch

GEORGINA COBURN checks out the work on show at the 3D2D Craft & Design Fair in Inverness, and suggests that original craftwork may make the perfect Christmas gift

AS EVENTS ORGANISERS based in Scotland, 3D2D have been giving artists the opportunity to sell direct to the public since 1981. The first of their fairs were held in Edinburgh’s Assembly Rooms, but since 1983 the yearly programme has expanded and currently includes venues in Glasgow, Aberdeen, Stirling, Perth, Dunfermline and smaller venues in Kincardineshire, Ayrshire, Fife and Angus.

A wide range of work is exhibited including ceramics, jewellery, metalwork, woodwork, glass, textiles, leatherwork, printmaking and paperwork. The quality and diversity of the products, skills and ideas on display are extremely impressive and none more so than the work of its Highland-based artists working in a variety of media.

This year’s exhibition at Bught Park in Inverness (29-30 October) gave the public the chance to experience unique local work by textile artists Linda, Bekki and Heidi Soos (Ardross, Ross-shire); Fran Harkes “MacAnaraks” (Tomatin); “Twist Jewellery” by Myke Calder (Ledmore, near Ullapool); and wooden jewellery hand carved by Geoff King (Inver, by Tain).

With Christmas fast approaching the Fair was bustling (despite this year’s less central venue) and provided a great opportunity to purchase one of a kind, handcrafted items from the craftspeople creating them.


The natural environment in the Highlands is a huge inspiration to artists and craftspeople of all kinds


It is fantastic as a consumer to be given an alternative to mass production, to be able to ask questions about how things are made and the artist’s inspiration.

There is definitely no substitute for a hand-made item of jewellery or textiles that contains the attention to detail and innovation that only a human eye and mind can create. Contrary to popular belief, prices are extremely reasonable even though this type of work is labour intensive, and commissions make it possible to really think outside the box when purchasing a gift for someone special. Not a possibility at our ever expanding retail parks or Eastgate centre.

There is no question that the natural environment in the Highlands is a huge inspiration to artists and craftspeople of all kinds and this influence can be seen in this group of individual artist’s work.

The textile work of Linda Soos and her daughters Heidi and Bekki seems to be woven out of the unique colours of the local landscape with all the subtleties of its changing moods and seasons. Their surprising combination of materials and sense of colour combine beautifully to create clothing that is a joy to the touch.

A “Rowana” scarf in sand coloured merino wool and kid mohair with sections of woven ribbon in turquoise is a delicate and superb example of the kind of craftsmanship that would not be out of place on any catwalk anywhere in the world. I also sense that it could be created nowhere else and by no one else but from the workshop of these three very gifted women.

Another example, “Breeze”, a scarf by Linda Soos woven partially from chenille fibres, is a softly elegant and extremely evocative piece. A subtle combination of greenish blue that curves and moves like kelp in the sea. The combination of materials, recycling pieces of leather, stone, shell, wool, velvet and lace to make garments like bags, purses and scarves heightens the tactile qualities of each element in the design.

One purse by Heidi Soos featured natural leather, blue velvet, green stone and a softly woven wool design that were put together in such a way to emphasise the colour and tactile sense of each material to superb effect. Who would think to put these together? But these creative choices really work to make something highly original, desirable and wearable.

Fran Harkes “McAnoracks” designs contain a truly multicultural use of materials sourced from around the world. Woven textiles from Thailand and India are featured along with tweed, velvet, denim, lace and other fabrics that suggest both the colour scheme and the design to the artist.

Fran sources her buttons from Amsterdam, which she hand decorates and her use of complimentary colour displays real flair. No two jackets are ever the same and unique colours and designs can be commissioned. The play of different fabrics in her designs is a real delight, and I think her instinctive use of materials really translates into the distinctiveness, colour and life in the clothing she creates.


Giving the public contact with artists and craftspeople and expanding the market for their work is of vital importance to the whole Highland region, its culture and economy.


Originally working with leather Myke Calder began experimenting with copper electrical wire and now creates jewellery in silver and copper under the design name “Twist Jewellery”.

His designs seem to have grown organically out of playing with these materials and melding them together in liquid form. Copper and silver seem to float over each other to create a naturally dappled surface.

Many of his brooches and pendants are inspired by the natural environment around his home near Ullapool. Seaweed growing on a shell became the form of one brooch. There is also something very elemental in his approach to his work “all rocks were liquid once” he commented. His handling of materials and use of symbols such as spirals create unique designs which I think are universal in their appeal.

Myke sells his work at Ullapool’s local produce market held every Saturday during the summer and at craft fairs such as 3D2D.

I hope that plans to convert the Ullapool’s old library into a permanent gallery and the adjoining building to studio/ workshop space will be brought to fruition. Not only would this showcase the work being done by local artists, but it would also be of great value to the whole community.

Giving the public contact with artists and craftspeople and expanding the market for their work is of vital importance to the whole Highland region, its culture and economy. What better way to celebrate that culture on the west coast in 2007 than with a permanent exhibition and workspace for the region’s artists?

Geoff King’s hand carved jewellery “Woodland Treasures” displays fine attention to detail and use of wood and semi precious stones which interplay to stunning effect. His dragon carved in oak around an amber stone is a great example of his amazing talent and craftsmanship. Capable of intricate Celtic knot work designs out of pieces of raw material, the fineness of a pair of earrings carved in this way is exceptional.

Two pale holly wood brooches set with opal were particularly striking in this exhibition, the choice of wood and stone complimenting each other beautifully and enhancing the quality of each element. The organic design of their settings are extremely elegant, delicate and beautifully realised.

Pendants, brooches, earrings and hairpins made from such woods as yew, walnut, holly and oak (off cuts from the artist’s previous experience in furniture making) are carved in such a way to enhance the natural qualities and grain of the material.

A hare brooch, for example, utilises the grain to create a sense of movement in the animal and in a distinct piece of jewellery with a rhythm all of its own. Geoff sells his jewellery primarily through exhibiting at craft fairs and music festivals but will soon develop a website and mail order in response to requests at exhibitions. Pieces can also be commissioned.

It is a shame that work of this calibre is only brought together under one roof once a year in Inverness and not without irony that this work is presented by a promoter from the central belt.

Perhaps 3D2D recognises what local authorities have yet to respond to. That quality, great craftsmanship and design have a market which is there to be developed and celebrated as part of living in the Highland region. If the work of our craftsmen and women is to be promoted worldwide then the web will be a valuable tool in widening access and awareness about the unique and valuable work being created here.

We have a wealth of creative talent right on our doorstep and no excuse not to support it whenever we can.

The next time you go shopping for yourself, your home or for someone else think outside the box. Why not make contact with a local craftsperson and see what they have to offer.

© Georgina Coburn, 2005

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