Since its inception, the SAY Award Design Commission funds a maker to create bespoke prizes for the musicians recognised at the SAY Award Ceremony. Previous bespoke prizes have included jesmonite arches, natural slate veneer lamps, and statuesque low-carbon concrete totems, from Stirlingshire makers Brutal Concrete Workshop.
Underpinning The SAY Design Commission is the theme of sustainability. As highlighted by partners Music Declares Emergency, there is no music on a dead planet. The SAY Award and Stirling Council invited local makers to respond to the brief and makers were asked to consider how they would embed sustainability into the award production.
Dunblane-based contemporary glass maker Elin Isaksson is this year’s Design Commission maker. Originally from Sweden, Elin moved to Scotland in 2001, where her passion for glass blowing developed. Her unique sand-casted sculptures and contemporary hand-blown accessories are acclaimed nationally and internationally, and she also teaches the ancient craft of glass blowing at her Dunblane studio.
Elin’s work is influenced by the minimalist designs taught in her early training at the Orrefors Glass School, and the colours of the Scottish landscape which feature prominently in her pieces. She describes her work as Scandinavian design, made in Scotland.
“The Design Commission challenged me to scrutinise my use of all the resources involved in my glass making process. It enabled me to experiment, to seek creative new ways to reduce waste, and has strengthened the sustainability of my practice. I’m delighted with the results.
These awards are sand-cast from natural rocks found near my Dunblane studio. The colours come from adding the gem like fragments of coloured glass from previous commissions to hand poured clear molten glass, making each award unique. The Winner’s award also includes 23.5 carat gold. I look forward to sharing more of my work in February at my exhibition at the Tolbooth.”
