AN ARTIST and jewellery maker from Helensburgh has launched a series of brand new designs to help raise funds for a Covid-19 memorial garden for Scotland.
Caitlin Hegney released a new range of earrings and necklaces made of silver and reclaimed wood, all in limited edition colours, last weekend – and they're already proving popular.
All the money raised from sales of the items will go towards the cost of creating a memorial garden in Pollok Country Park in Glasgow to commemorate all those who have lost their lives to Covid-19 in Scotland.
Caitlin, who grew up in Helensburgh and works from a studio in the town, said she was inspired to give her support to the project – launched through a campaign in the Advertiser’s sister paper, The Herald – having previously worked at Geilston Garden in Cardross.
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“I recognise the profound effect that such an outdoor space can have on an individual’s wellbeing and mental health,” Caitlin said.
“I believe it is essential to have a dedicated tranquil place that people can go to, where they can remember and celebrate those who have lost their lives during this pandemic.
“The proposed memorial cairn will continue the legacy of those who have lost their lives, and be a monument for future generations to remember what significant impact Covid-19 has had on this country.”
Caitlin graduated with first class honours from the Glasgow School of Art in 2018, where she has continued to practise as an artist in residence.
She also runs her own jewellery business through an online shop on her website, and leads a series of creative workshops for children in the local community which concentrate on making three-dimensional designs, resourcefulness, and the sharing of ancient craft skills.
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She now works between Helensburgh and Glasgow, and has exhibited in galleries and venues up and down the UK and in several towns and cities abroad – most recently in Melbourne in Australia and in Lille in northern France.
She currently has work on show as part of an exhibition in the Danish capital, Copenhagen.
“My work is normally centred around the rich history of the colour blue, using shades as symbol for value,” Caitlin continued.
“However, this seems an appropriate time to reach out of my normal colour palette to produce my designs in all the colours of the rainbow.
"Like many others, I have found it inspirational how people of all ages have being using the rainbow as a symbol of kindness and togetherness during these challenging times.
READ MORE: Garelochhead brother and sister make wooden rainbow hearts in NHS fund-raiser
“I use pigments to dye wood and this process celebrates the natural patterns in the wood grain.”
The Herald’s campaign calls for a “volunteer army” to come forward and help the ‘garden of remembrance’ campaign, which has set a fund-raising target of £50,000.
Glasgow City Council has offered to make a site available at Pollok Country Park for the memorial garden.
The idea has been backed by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and has also received cross-party support.
Announcing the launch of the campaign, The Herald’s assistant news editor, Deborah Anderson, said: “The global pandemic has taken parents, grandparents, husbands, wives and partners before their time.
"And for many the heartache was made all the worse for not being able to hold their hand or be at their bedsides.
“Coronavirus has torn people apart and cruelly split up families which is why The Herald is launching its Garden of Remembrance campaign to create a place where people can simply sit and think of their relatives.
“We want to build a memorial cairn to remember every single victim of coronavirus in Scotland. And we are looking for a volunteer army to help create it.”
All of Caitlin’s newly-designed items can be bought from a dedicated section of her website (caitlinhegney.co.uk).
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