Today, we’d like to introduce you to Gillian Trask.
Hi Gillian, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I play with fire and sculpt sterling silver and gold by hand. I play by pushing the boundaries of what metal can do. Every piece is sculpted by hand. These pieces are born, melted, and molten and infused with my emotions’ energy.
I created Gillian Trask the night I melted my thesis piece. It was due the following day. I had put maybe 40 hours into this piece and was so proud. It was very technical. Sadly, at three AM that night, I melted the whole piece.
I quickly realized that tears and fire don’t mix, so to re-alchemize my emotions (my meltdown), I shoved it aside and started melting any silver I could find. I created the Life in Circle Ring that very night. It was the origin story of the beginning of Gillian Trask Jewelry and the beginning of fusing empowerment into every piece.
It seems to be something people can relate to because I’m proud to say that this past April, we opened up our very own brick-and-mortar store at 248 Bull Street, Downtown Savannah.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Nothing in my life has been smooth, but I wouldn’t be as strong as I am had I not gone through major hurdles to be here today. I was a foster baby, so from the very start – I had separation trauma. But I see that as setting the tone for the rest of my life in managing my emotions.
I have always turned to artistic endeavors to release any sadness or stress. Dance, skiing, drawing, metal sculpture- you name it. Now, I can channel my emotions into each piece, so I am always in a place of release. That in turn has been incredibly healing.
It’s taken me a long time to channel this energy healthily, and now I am also in a position to be able to give back. We support our local Savannah Chatham CASA for foster children, and I couldn’t be more proud to be able to support those children with the amazing volunteers who give those kids a voice through the whole court and foster process.
It’s got to be bigger than me or my art. I’m here to help heal more people than just myself.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I play with fire. If you had told me ten years ago that I would be playing with fire to create organic and wearable art, I’d tell you to fly a kite. I’m grateful that through this melting process, as I have been invited to Milano Jewelry Week the past two years. We also were at the London Accessory Week.
I am also grateful for having worked with some amazing artists over the years, as those collaborations helped put Gillian Trask on the map. Collaborations with Ruchita Newrekar, Luisa M. Florez Herran, Haven Honeycutt, Kayla Frumolt, Allie Jansen, Love & Moxie, Zack Karatassos, and AJ Grey from the Maxines.
I wouldn’t be here had we not taken a chance on each other and trusted the process. Every person has helped to shape Gillian Trask in one way or another, and I’m truly grateful for them and their amazing talents.
What’s next?
Oh, so many! I’m chomping to see how far we can take Gillian Trask. Our current focus is our brick-and-mortar showroom at 248 Bull Street, Savannah, GA. The plan is to create more work that empowers others and spread joy with everyone we connect with. It will be a year in April, so I’m excited to celebrate our first anniversary in our new space and community.
Contact Info:
- Website: gilliantrask.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gillian_trask_jewelry/
Image Credits
Allie Jansen
