Skye artists and makers collaborate on new collection
A story of four creatives, three shells, and one Hebridean island …
The Isle of Skye is known for its abundance of professional artists and craft-makers. The island’s dramatic coast, stunning landscapes, rich flora and fauna and ever-changing light provide inspiration for both home-grown talent and the many creatives who have moved here to live and work.
Now four of the island’s makers and artists have come together in a unique collaboration. Their collection of naturally dyed shawls, specially designed brooches and original photographs have all been inspired by one of Skye’s smallest inhabitants – the periwinkle.
You can buy shawls and brooches online by following the links below, or at the makers’ studios. The photographic prints are available at Phil Gorton’s Studio in Roag, Skye.
Mounted photographic prints, variety of sizes & prices. Available at Phil Gorton’s studio in Roag on the Isle of Skye.
These two photographs by Phil Gorton inspired the design of the Periwinkle Shawls & Brooches. The first image shows the periwinkle shells on the dark, seemingly blue rippled sands of Bharcasaig, one of Skye’s stunning beaches. The second image focuses on the same type of shell lying on the deep red, speckled sandstone, which can be found at the Ard Roag peninsula on Skye.
Red & Blue Periwinkle Shawls, £125. www.skyeweavers.co.uk/blue-periwinkle-shawl
The luxuriously soft ‘Periwinkle Shawls’ come in two colourways. The periwinkles on the rippled blue sand of Bharcasaig find expression in a softly undulating Indigo blue weaving pattern with striking yellow stripes along one edge. The speckled red sandstone appears as a mottled mixture of deep red and specks of Blackberry purple and white.
Periwinkle Brooches, £45. www.heather-mcdermott.squarespace.com/collaboration-products/buoy-brooches
These are Heather’s limited edition brooches using specially chosen colours to go with the woven shawls. Using a periwinkle yellow, midnight blue and sandstone red the pieces perfectly complement the two different shawls. The brooches can be worn with the shawls or as standalone pieces. Made from stainless steel, each brooch is hand finished and distressed, inspired by weathered objects found on the coast lines of Skye.
Check out our Periwinkle Pinterest board for more images of the collaboration!