
Ben Gatski and Kate Gatski
Gatski Metal
Ben and Kate Gatski are self-taught artists who love using simple tools to make handmade, authentic pieces of art. They live and work on a hilltop in rural Pennsylvania. There, they handcraft sculpture and furniture with reclaimed materials (weathered steel and barn wood) and raise their three children. They established Gatski Metal in 2003.
Ben and Kate collect raw materials from scraps yards and other assorted junk piles. They work together to imagine and create unique pieces of art. Ben builds the pieces in the shop, using mostly hand-held cutters, hammers, a roller and a welder. Kate assists with the designing process, and shares their art with the world. They are a true husband and wife team.
Ben began welding at the age of thirteen, when he was given a welder by his father. He began experimenting with welding pieces of farm equipment together. At the age of nineteen, he was building small birds and other sculptures for family friends. He has been creating artwork ever since. Aside from a vocational welding short course, he is entirely self taught.