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Meet the maker: Ebba Redman

What inspired you to mix traditional domestic imagery with modern industrial processes?

I really enjoy experimenting, layering and coating materials. The powder coating is really fun to do and I love the painterly aspect of mixing the powders to get just the right colours. I think the combination of smooth vivid colour and very intricate silver or gold lace patterns really set each other off. They are very different techniques and I enjoy being able to work in different ways; working with a tiny crochet hook to dipping house frames in powder. 

Your pieces all seem very personal – is there any design that has a particularly special meaning for you?

They are all very meaningful to me as they have all started off as sketches and ideas and to see them as finished pieces is always very special. I do especially like the powder-coated pieces, as they are probably a little more quirky and fun.  I took a lot of inspiration from the colours in the house I grew up in.

Are there any artists you particularly admire, and who inspire or influence your work?

I usually get my inspiration from my sketchbooks. I collect colour combinations, materials forms and textures I find interesting. There are many artists I admire across the different disciplines. Karl Fritsch, Jack Cunningham, Adam Paxon and Lynne Kirsten Murray are some of my favorite jewellers. I also love Rob Ryan’s paper cut outs and Kittie Jones' drawings and paintings.

Tell us about the collection you’re presenting in Meet Your Maker

I will be presenting a collection of pieces that are all lace and crochet inspired, precious metals and gem stones, some with powder coated home imagery, traditional crochet floral patterns and others elaborate lacy heart forms. 

What are your plans for the future?

I plan to carry on my workshop in Perth. I really enjoy making my work in the gallery space and being able to chat away to customers and take commissions. I am applying and submitting work for exhibitions and competitions all over the place, keeping very busy. I also have a trip to Chile planned to work with a textile designer there as part of a prize I won at Art School. I also hope to be involved with more Craft Scotland exhibitions and events in the future.

What is your favourite piece of craft that you own?

I know a lot of people who make things, in particular my parents. My dad studied ceramics and I have three little stoneware peacocks he made for me when I was little that are very special to me. My mum has been taking evening classes in fused glass and made me a really lovely jewellery box last Christmas. These are probably my favourite pieces of craft work that I own as they also have a lot of sentimental value as well as being heartfelt gifts.

Having the gallery means I am always being tempted by lovely objects: Lisa Rooney’s ceramics and Lindsey Gardener's textiles are some of my facourite things. I recently bought a mug by Garnet McCuloch, it’s the most amazing blue colour and I drink about ten cups of tea a day so a good tea mug is very important to me.