Kat McLean is a 38 year old Metalsmith and Jewellery Designer from Belfast. Kat took an exciting course last year and has been playing and experimenting with metal and gemstones ever since.
What genre / style do you create in?
I’m not sure I fit into a genre, indie business maybe?
What would you be best known for?
I have just started in the industry, so I’m not well known (yet!).
What would you consider your biggest achievement?
Designing and creating a jewellery line during a global pandemic!
What would you consider to be the biggest lesson you’ve learned in your industry?
A lesson that I still struggle with, that making mistakes is all part of learning.
What has been your biggest challenge to date?
Finding the time to be creative during a lockdown.
Tell us a little about your personal life, are you married, kids, hobbies etc?
I live in Belfast with my partner and our two young children. As well as making jewellery, I enjoy cooking and baking, travel, music and kickboxing. I love spending time in nature with my family and I would love to learn how to surf.
Tell us about your most recent work?
I have just launched my new jewellery collection. It is a variety of rings, necklaces and earrings, all unique, one-of-a-kind pieces on the theme of fire and ice.
If you had to describe your work to someone who has never heard of you what would you say?
My work is daring and unconventional, wearable art. It is a mix of textures and sparkles, of light and dark, of rich, colourful gems and raw, natural materials.
What would your advice be to young people hoping to pursue the same industry?
To be open to experimenting and learning lots of different styles. Try and learn from as many different teachers as possible. To have confidence in yourself and your own style.
Anything else you want to tell people about yourself or your work?
Just where to find me:
www.fireandfae.com
instagram.com/fireandfae
www.etsy.com/shop/fireandfae
Artist Kat Mclean
Who do you look up to and why?
In the jewellery world I love both Susan Lenart Kazmer, and Ace of Studio Luna Verde, both women are so individual in style and their jewellery is gorgeous.