Gatski Metal Blog

  • New Gatski Work: Upcoming Home & Planet Show!

    dreaming about spring? your lovely garden? or a fantastic new garden sculpture?

    we've just completed these two pieces for an upcoming show at Home & Planet- more details on that soon.

    Birds hanging out on their new Gatski Metal birdcage.

    Posted to Site Blog by Kate Gatski on 2010-01-29

  • New Work Spring 2010

    New Gatski Metal work for Spring 2010. Details coming soon in our Metal Gallery page. A full 2010 Gatski Metal catalog will be available the first week of February!

    Posted to Site Blog by Admin on 2010-01-23

  • Rusty metal, dirt, sparks and hopefully....

    Rusty metal, dirt, sparks and hopefully it will amount to something lovely. Hard to believe, isn't it?

    We're working on new Gatski metal work for the upcoming Buyers Market of American Craft Show.

    Ben Gatski welding on Saturday morning, working on an all new Cow design!

     

    Posted to Site Blog by Kate Gatski on 2010-01-16

  • Happy Winter from Gatski Metal

    Happy Winter!

    It is restful here. We're enjoying the cold freeze and putting our design minds to work.  Our photo shoot is next week. Stay tuned... exciting NEW Gatski designs coming soon!

    Gatski Metal Bird Feeder working quite well!

    Posted to Site Blog by Kate Gatski on 2010-01-13

  • 100 Artists Show, "Nourish & Sustain"- The Honeybee

     

    We are very happy to give you the first look at our Gatski Metal piece for the 100 Artists Show. This Show entitled, “Nourish & Sustain” is presented by the Mary Lou Zeek Gallery.

    We were one of 100 artists to be sent a large empty food can to be used as a starting point for our piece of art. Proceeds from the sale o the artwork (via a silent auction) will benefit the Marion- Polk Food Share- serving the emergency food needs of Marion and Polk counties (in Oregon).

    I enjoy all the metaphors in this piece. We don’t need to get too deep, but I do think it’s inspiring to ponder the honey bee. They are integral to farms; they pollinate crops, allowing them to produce seeds and their fruits. If you want the nitty gritty details, the National Sustainable Agriculture Service is the place to look.

     

    For now, long live the honey bee and thank you to Mary Lou Zeek Gallery for the invitation to participate in the 100 Artists Show.

    Posted to Site Blog by Admin on 2010-01-10

  • Gatski 2009 Time Capsule

    In reflection of the year, I decided to think about what I would put in a time capsule. I know, you're probably thinking I have way too much free time.

    It really was a big learning year for us. It is a relief to recognize it's conclusion.

    In any case, here's an explanation of what I wrote above.

    1. I picked Alot of rocks this year. We needed to bring Ben's shop floor up to grade- so I picked many, many buckets of rocks. We were also making a new grassy lawn area. We have nothing but rocks up here.

    2. Ben made Alot of deer antlers. We're quite thankful for the success of the deer head.

    4. We lauched The Steel Fork. We are so happy to tap into our passion for farm and food. We look forward to growing it in 2010 with exciting new products.

    5. http:// At the beginning of this year, I really didn't know what a blog was. We have embraced the beautiful online abundance. It really is tremendous how much support and inspiration for artists and craftspeople online. Long live the http://!

    Posted to Site Blog by Kate Gatski on 2009-12-24

  • Custom Owl

    Happy Holidays everyone! Just finished this custom Gatski Metal Owl.

     

    Posted to Site Blog by Kate Gatski on 2009-12-21

  • It Doesn't Take Much- Buying Handmade is so Rewarding!

    You know what?  It really doesn't take much - to make a persons day!  Check out the two little words handwritten in by Vital Industries. That pretty much made my day!

    We are really, really enjoying buying handmade gifts (a lotta etsy)! It is so incredibly rewarding. Please do check out Vital Industries.  I ordered one of their bicycle tee shirts for a family gift.

    Posted to Site Blog by Kate Gatski on 2009-12-15

  • Deer Hunting, Gatski Style

    It is deer hunting season here in Pennsylvania. No need to traipse thru the woods for this one. This is our deer head mount. What a dandy surprise this would be under the tree. :)

    Posted to Site Blog by Admin on 2009-12-01

  • Gatski Metal's Top 4 Thank Yous!



    It has been a raucous year. The economic forecast vapors even drift up here. We’re very Thankful that Thanksgiving is here.  

    Thank you for…

    1.    Doing an allstar job bringing Gatski Metal to their customers

        The Fanny Garver Gallery (Madison, WI)

        HumanArts (Ojai, CA)

        Ataz (Edina, MN)

        Home & Planet (Bethlehem, PA)

        Whyevernot (Mystic, Ct)

        Heron Gallery (Kent, Ct)

    2.    keeping us on the race course for enterprise success…friend Conor Quinlan,  Mepush Technology Solutions

    3.    immediate family… patience with rowdy sewing machines & grinding sharp  deer antlers & of course giving us their creative, resourceful, design(y) energies

    4.    graciously introducing us to Online handmade “a- plenty” Tara Gentile of  Scoutie Girl and Scoutie Girl Gifts

    Since we didn’t win an Oscar… I probably don’t need to go on and on. We are very thankful.
     

    Posted to Site Blog by Kate Gatski on 2009-11-25

  • Hunting Moose?

    We just completed this awesome custom moose head mount. It is 6 feet wide! It will be mounted above a fireplace.

    It's a cloudy day here in PA... so the photo doesn't pop out, but this will give you the idea...

    Posted to Site Blog by Kate Gatski on 2009-11-22

  • Going Home to Roost Feature

    Going Home to Roost is a lovely, lovely little handmade reading spot. The author, Bonnie,  just wrote up a little feature on our work, check it out...click here.

    She also sells her own handmade goodness on Etsy [she has some great holiday gifts].

    Posted to Site Blog by Admin on 2009-11-18

  • Holiday Visit to NYC?

    Are you planning a holiday visit to NYC? Make sure you check out the  American Folk Art Museum . You can purchase and see our work in the American Folk Art Museum Shop.

     

    Posted to Site Blog by Kate Gatski on 2009-11-10

  • Pheasant Sculpture

    We live in rural Pennsylvania. It is November. Hunting season is upon us. Although I'm not directly involved,  there are certain hunting traditions in our extended family involving pheasants. Here is a metal pheasant sculpture we made, we do enjoy creating metal wildlife sculptures.

     

     

     

    Posted to Site Blog by Admin on 2009-11-04

  • Celebrate The Steel Fork!

    Join us in celebrating the launch of The Steel Fork by taking 10% off all purchases.

    Simply enter "thesteelfork" in the discount code box at checkout.

    Posted to Site Blog by Kate Gatski on 2009-10-28

  • The Steel Fork!

    We are so excited to launch The Steel Fork.

    Here you will find our passions for farm, food and design made visible. It is a collection of our favorite things for you and your home; handmade by our family in Pennsylvania.

    We hope you will join us in our journey;  please have a look at  The Steel Fork

    Posted to Site Blog by Admin on 2009-10-20

  • The Stableys Studio Show In Photos

    Deb and Dave Stabley hosted an Open House and Studio Show and Sale this past weekend. Their home is utterly beautiful. It is incredibly artistic in every way. I wish my little camera would have done it justice. Alas, it didn't, but at least this will give you a little peak.

     

    Posted to Site Blog by Kate Gatski on 2009-10-19

  • Ready to Ride to the Stableys!

    Here's our little bull rider. This is just a reminder that we'll be riding over to the Stabley's this weekend (Oct. 17 & 18) for the Open House, Studio Show & Sale from 12 Noon until 6 PM. We look forward to seeing you! This large metal steer and many other Gatski Metal sculptures will greet you there.

    Posted to Site Blog by Admin on 2009-10-13

  • Inspired by the Farm

    Over the past few weeks we’ve been hinting around that we were working on an exciting new project. It is soon time to disclose this project, but not quite yet (can you stand it ☺).

    I wanted to provide a little background for our project. As you may know Ben and I met at an organic dairy farm. We were both pursuing our interest in sustainable and organic agriculture. Kate has always been passionate about giving farming a new school, fresh look [not to mention, taste and flavor]. After quitting college, Ben bought a herd of organic dairy cows. Ben has always been passionate about dairying, livestock and grassy pastures.

    Starting Gatski Metal was somewhat instinctive. Both Ben and I spent some or all of our childhood around full-time arts & crafts businesses.

    Now, in the unveiling of our new project we’re making all of our passions visible. Food. Design. Farm.

    Stay tuned!
     

    Posted to Site Blog by Kate Gatski on 2009-10-07

  • Gatski Feature on Apartment Therapy DC Blog

    Just stumbled upon this feature of our work on the Apartment Therapy DC blog. The mission of this blog is to, "help people make their homes more beautiful, organized and healthy by connecting them to a wealth of resources, ideas and community online."

    Terrific! Thanks for the feature!

    Posted to Site Blog by Admin on 2009-10-06

  • Buying Handmade Objects

    Throughout the year we have taken the time to become acquainted with the online world of handmade art and craft.  It is very refreshing. There is a new generation of crafters and artists finding exciting ways to show and sell their work.

    One of the places I like to check out is Scoutie Girl. It is lovely to read, and was created [and now owned by] Pennsylvania gals.

    They've just introduced, Scoutie Girl Gifts. Personally, its inspiring to see how easy it is to shop for beautiful handmade gifts.

     

    Posted to Site Blog by Admin on 2009-10-06

  • Open House, Studio Show & Sale

    Dave and Deb Stabley are hosting an Open House, Studio Show and Sale on October 17 and 18 from 12 noon until 6 pm. The Stabley's are both nationally recognized ceramic and mixed media artists. They will be joined by Ben and Kate Gatski of Gatski Metal, with their folk art inspired metal sculptures made with recycled farm machinery. The Stableys home is located in beautiful Northeastern Pennsylvania (Bloomsburg). Their home is tucked in the hills but conveniently located just seven miles from interstate 80. For more information and directions, www.stableys.com.

    Posted to Site Blog by Kate Gatski on 2009-09-30

  • Food for Thought Show at College of the Atlantic, Maine

    Gatski Metal is pleased to participate in the "Food for Thought, Time for Action" gallery show at College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor, Maine. Kate is an alum of College of the Atlantic. The gallery is show is part of the Food for Thought, Time for Action Sustainable Food, Farming and Fisheries Conference October 2-4.

    Posted to Site Blog by Admin on 2009-09-23

  • The Klay Gallery & Klay Kids

    Last week we made a sign for one of our loyal galleries, The Klay in Nyack, NY.  They are creating a Kids Gallery, as you may have guessed.

    For those of you waiting on the edge of your seats for photos of the large steer... it has been set aside for the moment. It is not yet complete.

    We are busy chipping away at a very exciting new project- soon to be announced!

    Posted to Site Blog by Admin on 2009-09-21

  • Save the Date.

    This October 17 & 18 we will be showing our work along with Ceramic & Mixed Media Artists, Deb and Dave Stabley (www.stableys.com).  They are having an Open House, Studio Show & Sale. They invited us to show our work along with them. We are very honored to do so. They mentored us when we were getting started.  The Stableys have sold to art galleries nationally for over 20 years. They have participated in many invitational shows and have a long list of published works.

    We're looking forward to it. In just a few days, I will post all the details here. Many of you will be receiving a postcard in the mail as well.

     

     

    Posted to Site Blog by Admin on 2009-09-15

  • The Metal Steer

    We like a good challenge. This week it happens to be making a life size metal recycled steer. We're starting with a tractor hood. This is Ben welding the legs of the steer on. Stay posted for a photo of the final piece early next week.

    Posted to Site Blog by Admin on 2009-09-10

  • Anyone Feeling Crabby?

    Check out this crab, plucked right out of the sea of scrap metal. It could climb up your garden fence (or dining room wall). Its a dandy.

     

     

    Posted to Site Blog by Admin on 2009-09-10

  • Gatski School of Fish

    Happy September!  Ben just finished a new school of fish! We're putting these all on our Rare Finds page. Check them out.

    Kate is working on a very exciting new Gatski project! Can't wait to share details soon.

     

     

    Posted to Site Blog by Admin on 2009-09-02

  • Gatski Striped Fish & Baby

    I had to share these cute little baby fish!

    We have some very exciting projects we're working on! We can't wait to share!

    I can say that Ben is working on a brand new School of Fish at this very moment.

    There are lots of wonderful things happening up here in Gatski Mountain- stay posted!

    Posted to Site Blog by Admin on 2009-08-25

  • Go Pennsylvania Handmade Go!

    The Keystone Edge did a piece on the  handmade movement in Pennsylvania. We were interviewed and quoted in the article. This online publication focuses on Innovation in Pennslvania. Go PA Go!

     

    Posted to Site Blog by Admin on 2009-08-06

  • Gatski Pig Pillows

    Kate is working on some fun new Gatski farm animal pillows. Check this out..... more coming soon!

    Sitting on the tractor seemed like an appropriate place for this pig pillow to pose for a photo.

    Posted to Site Blog by Admin on 2009-08-04

  • Buyers Market a Success

    The Buyers Market Show is always an adventure. We enjoy meeting people, getting feedback on our work and taking orders. Here's a photo of our booth as we're fine tuning prior to the show opening.

    Posted to Site Blog by Admin on 2009-08-04

  • Oliver Fender Table

    Ben finished this table just in time for the Buyers Market Show.  We sold it before we had finished setting up. No doubt that is a great way to start a show. It is made with two Oliver Tractor Fenders. Ben made the top from a flat piece of sheet steel.

     

     

    Posted to Site Blog by Admin on 2009-08-04

  • Gotta Love Scoutie Girl!

    You gotta love Scoutie Girl. Check out this great  little, "Finding Passion," piece on us. 

    We're working on last minute preparations for our show in Philadelphia this weekend. Ben is working on a couple new fabulous tables. Look for photos later this week.

    Posted to Site Blog by Admin on 2009-07-27

  • Repurpose, Reuse, Recycle

    "Repurpose, Reuse, Recycle" is the name of my series on Handmade In PA.

    I am a new guest contributor to this fabulous blog that "supports arts and crafts in the keystone state." Each week I will feature the work of an artist or crafter who is using found, recycled or repurposed objects in their work. It promises to be an exciting challenge.  I got a lucky break with my first feature. I didn't have to look too far- my mother makes gorgeous rugs using old corduory pants. Yep, it runs in the family.

    Posted to Site Blog by Kate Gatski on 2009-07-22

  • The Work of Friends

    We're beginning to prepare for our upcoming show in Philadelphia, the Buyers Market of American Craft. We're looking forward to catching up with some of our artist friends. We are particularly fond of the work of our friends, Ed & Kate Coleman www.edandkatecoleman.com

    These awesome tiles are on my wish list.

     

     

    Posted to Site Blog by Admin on 2009-07-17

  • New Work! Food & Farm

    Our New Food & Farm line is hot off the welding table! Check it out here..

    www.gatskimetal.com/gallery/v/New+Work+Summer+2009

    We are very excited about these new pieces because we are bringing together our passions for recycled metal work and for Food & Farming.

    We've also created two fun new metal mounted animal heads, like the elk head pictured below...

     

    Posted to Site Blog by Kate Gatski on 2009-07-06

  • Preview of New Work; For Food and Farm Lovers

    A Farmer. A Butcher. A Cook. A Gatski.

    We're looking forward to showing you our new recycled metal work. It is line of functional pieces for lovers of Food & the Farm.

    We were inspired by Ben's great grandfather. Raymond Augustus. Raymond was a butcher. From him came our butcher hooks (preview photo below).

    Then we pondered. What does one with a bounty of farm fresh meats, cheeses, vegetables and fruits need? Why a cookbook, and a stand to put it on, of course. So that is what we made (a shelf of sorts).

    The Farmer. The Butcher. The Cook. They are always creating that which is beautifully simple and eminently satisfying. We can only hope to share their company.

    Photos of all new pieces can be seen here on July 6th.

     

    Posted to Site Blog by Admin on 2009-06-30

  • Gatski's at the Buyers Market of American Craft Show

    The Gatski's can be found at one and only show each year. It is the Buyers Market of American Craft Show. It is open to the trade only. We are fortunate to be part of their marketing campaign. The Show is August 1-3 in Philadelphia. We can be found in booth #1906.

    Posted to Site Blog by Admin on 2009-06-30

  • Gatski Metal on Twitter

    www.twitter.com/gatski

    Hey. Hey. Hey. We're on Twitter. 

    At this moment, Ben is starting some new metal designs. It is a process. It will take weeks. Some will come easy. Some will undergo many, many revisions. We'll keep you posted.

    Posted to Site Blog by Kate Gatski on 2009-06-19

  • Dirt Floor, No More

    This is the Gatski Metal shop. We increased its size at the beginning of this year. We're finally moving up from the dirt floor we've worked on since our beginning. A mason friend will be pouring our cement floor.

    It is our busiest time of year. You will hear more from us soon. We'll be working on our Summer 2009 designs in a couple weeks. We have some fun ideas percolating.

    Posted to Site Blog by Admin on 2009-06-09

  • Gatski Feature on HandemadeInPA.net

    Handmade in PA, a fantastic blog bringing Pennsylvania artisans and shoppers together,  featured our work in a new post. Please have a look. It is a very inspiring blog. We highly reccomend it. The editor Tara Gentile, in our opinion, is working overtime to support the handmade movement in Pennsylvania. Use this link to have a look...

    http://www.handmadeinpa.net/2009/05/gatski-recycled-farm-art/

    Posted to Site Blog by Admin on 2009-05-16

  • Here Comes Our Raw Farm Material

    Old trusty is bringing up a load of metal. These are big sheets of metal from hay mowers and hay balers.

    Posted to Site Blog by Admin on 2009-05-15

  • New Tables

    We've completed our new table designs. This Tractor Hood Table pictured is the one Ben was working on in a mid April post. These can be viewed on our Metal Gallery page. Have a look!

    Posted to Site Blog by Admin on 2009-05-14

  • Gatski Farmhouse Earrings

    We are thrilled to announce our new Gatski Jewelry. These earrings are strong and elegant. We were excited to see that even these small pieces have individual markings from wear on the farm machine. They are artifacts from the farm, if you will. We are also very proud to be able to donate a portion of the proceeds to sustainable agriculture. We believe in keeping farmers farming, healthy farming practices and buying local foods. The sale of these earrings will help to accomplish these things. We will keep you updated on this exciting new project as it unfolds.

    Posted to Site Blog by Admin on 2009-05-03

  • Baby Pigs

    Our first baby pigs! A special request from one of our very loyal galleries; Annyx in Sag Harbor, NY. An exclusive opportunity from Annyx. I think you really must have one. Baby pigs really are so cute. Contact them at  www.annyxsagharbor.com for more information. 

    Posted to Site Blog by Admin on 2009-05-02

  • Public Radio/ TV Donation

     

    We enjoy donating pieces to some of our favorite organizations, including the Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture, Habitat for Humanity and this month it is our regional public radio and tv station, WVIA. Below is the link to bid on our Flying Pig.

    http://auction.wvia.org/Bidding.taf?_function=detail&Auction_uid1=80498

    Posted to Site Blog by Admin on 2009-04-20

  • New Table Design

    Ben is working on a new "Sofa Table" or "Entry Table" design. These are two great tractor hoods we recently acquired. We're working on some fresh new table designs for a furniture photo shoot we're doing at the end of this month.

    Posted to Site Blog by Kate Gatski on 2009-04-15

  • Home & Planet Show

    Our show "Fresh From the Fields" opened Friday night at Home & Planet in Bethlehem. Ben made a massive Elk Head as pictured above. He also made an enourmous pig (pictured below). He was inspired by a, "pork cuts" diagram- meaning how the pig would be cut up for meat. The show runs until the end of the month. If you are in the vicinity- we recommend it. It is an absolutely wonderful shop and gallery.

    Posted to Site Blog by Admin on 2009-04-06

  • Mailbox

    We just received this photo from a friend and customer who commissioned this metal mailbox last year. It was inspired by their love of contemporary design including that of Frank Loyd Wright.  It blends nicely into their wooded southern Pennsylvania home (which is also a contemporary style). They do enjoy decorating their mailbox each holiday. 

    We enjoyed making this custom metal mailbox. We would be happy to design one for you.

    Posted to Site Blog by Admin on 2009-03-30

  • Team G!

    We figured it was high time to identify ourselves more clearly. Here we are. Ben is the in house expert on farming, farm machines, welding and heavy lifting. Kate is the in house expert on planning, organizing and the critical eye. Honestly though we're really both learning as we go.

    Posted to Site Blog by Kate Gatski on 2009-03-24

  • Sources

    Sometimes the source of metal for our sculptures is a little more obvious than others.

    This is the fuel tank Ben was cutting Moose antlers out of.

    By the way, Happy Spring!!

    Posted to Site Blog by Admin on 2009-03-20

  • In Progress on the Work Bench

    These are works in progress on the work bench. They are custom bird trees for a fantastic place in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania- Ideas and Objects.  Our new metal bird tree was inspired by the same dear customers who commissioned the quilt (earlier described). They requested a Bird Tree in the spirit of the wooden folk art bird trees made some time ago in Pennsylvania.  The Bird Tree we created for them was particularly special. It was made with metal from a Van that had passed on. 

    So, if you happen to be particularly attached to your vehicle and it is a breath away from the scrap yard. We would be happy to create a memorial metal sculpture using it's metal. Just let us know.

    Posted to Site Blog by Kate Gatski on 2009-03-16

  • Horse

    We've just completed this feature piece for our upcoming April show at Home & Planet in Bethlehem, PA.  It is a strong and elegant horse. We've been considering making a horse for several years. Some sculptural designs take a very long time to develop.  We were delighted with the results.

    Posted to Site Blog by Kate Gatski on 2009-03-09

  • A Gallery Sign

    We just completed this great custom Gallery Sign for "Anything Goes." This was made with red from an International farm machine. We do enjoy working on custom gallery, farm and house signs.

    Posted to Site Blog by Kate Gatski on 2009-03-04
  • Cows

    Cows

    This is Nora and her new calf Trudy. Nora is a descendent of Ben’s original milking herd. Trudy was born the last day of our Philadelphia Buyers Market Show a couple weeks ago. Ben has always enjoyed milking cows- and continues to milk a few by hand each morning. 

    Posted to Site Blog by Kate Gatski on 2009-03-03
  • The Quilt

    The Quilt

    This Quilt was completed in January of this year. It was a custom project for two of our dearest supporters, customers and friends. It is the largest piece we've created to date. It took us two years to fine tune the design and complete the piece. We were very pleased with the final result. It was a real pleasure to have the opportunity to tap into our Pennsylvania Quiltmaking tradition in an unconventional way. Each square was hand cut from various machines. All the color is original to the farm machine (as is the case with all of our work.)

    Posted to Site Blog by Kate Gatski on 2009-02-19
  • Here We Go!

    Here We Go!

    Greetings from Gatski Mountain! Here we go! We're looking forward to sharing our stories with you here in our new Blog! Thanks to Conor Quinlan and his crew at Mepush Technology- we're entering a new era of Gatski Metal.

    We're continually grateful for all of our loyal supporters. Now we can keep in touch. We'll keep you posted on what new projects we're working on.

    We’ve just returned from our annual February trip to Philadelphia for the Buyers Market of American Craft Show. It was a success! In the next few months we'll be shipping out orders to galleries all across the country.

     We hope to share some stories about these galleries as we go along.  For now check out Gatski Metal News for a list of our New Galleries with websites.

    We're settling back in now- post show. In addition to the orders we'll be working on, we have some fun new One of a Kind designs we'll be trying out.

    Check out our new Rare Finds page for the latest One of a Kinds. This is a fun place to hunt for something truly original. We'll be updating it regularly.

     

    And that's about all for now.
     

    Posted to Site Blog by Kate Gatski on 2009-02-12
  • Pamela

    Pamela's Bee

    We love custom projects- especially for very special people. This was a custom project for one of our favorite gallery customers. If you ever find yourself in Mystic Connecticut- we recommend Whyevernot!

    Posted to Site Blog by Kate Gatski on 2009-02-12