 Shawn: Where did the idea for Gatski Metal come from?
Kate: It was a culmination of many things, including a passion for agriculture, an instinct for reclaiming used materials, a need to manage our own business, and last but not least a love for all things creative and artistic.
S: Can you describe the process of making one of your pieces? Where do you get your materials? What do you look for? What tools are needed? How long
Kate and her husband Ben
does it take to complete a given piece?
K: The process occurs in various ways. Sometimes, a customer will come to us with a specific design idea. In most cases, however, we begin with the farm machine part and design a piece that accentuates its natural shape and form. We purchase most of our materials from farms in the region. In some cases, we must travel state-wide for specific parts. The parts we look for vary depending on current customer needs. Sometimes, it is edgy and subtly sharp parts- other times it is soft and elegant parts. We use very basic tools. The metal is cut by hand with a hacksaw, unbolted with wrenches, sometimes cut with torches and welded with an arc welder. The time it takes to complete a piece varies from one day to several weeks.
S: Are your pieces meant to be functional or purely aesthetic, or both?
K: We create both functional and aesthetic pieces. We are very enthusiastic about trying new things. For example, a customer  recently requested we design and create an outdoor fire pit. We enjoy the individual challenges of something that needs to function effectively. On the other hand, we enjoy creating sculptures that simply define outdoor spaces.
S: It seems to me that this work represents one way to honor agriculture, in this case through art. Is this part of your objective in creating these pieces?
K: Yes. We believe in the enduring qualities of agriculture. Many of our customers grew up on or around farms and share our deep love of farming.
S: What kind of experience do you hope people will take away from viewing these sculptures?
K: We hope that they understand the basic elements of what weíre doing, creating unique and hip pieces with a story.
S: Where do you plan to market your artwork? What kind of reception have you received so far?
K: We are currently marketing our artwork in approximately 20 art and craft galleries across the country. We have been selling at the American Folk Art Museum Gift Shop in New York City. We also sell at regional art and craft shows. We have received positive and enthusiastic feedback. In November 2004 we were the recipient of the Friends Institute Sustainable Business Plan Competition Award. This competition was sponsored by the Sustainable Business Network of the greater Philadelphia area.
S: How did your COA education prepare you for this endeavor?
K: I learned countless skills at COA. Among those that have helped with our business are presentation and communication skills (writing and speaking) and the confidence to combine art, agriculture, environmental ethics and business all in one.
S: What are the future plans for Gatski Metal? Are there any upcoming projects you would like to share with the COA community?
K: We plan to continue to build and grow our business. We will also continue to refine our work and marketing strategies.
S: If someone wanted to check out your work, where could they go to see it?
K: Our website is a good place to start. On the website you will find a list of galleries that carry our work. We are also always happy to mail photographs and information to anyone who expresses interest.
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