Cat Bates

Cat Bates is a jewelry designer who specializes in sand casting and decorative sailor knotting. He began learning sailor knotting as a young child, summering on an island off the Maine Coast, and has been practicing metalsmithing since adolescence, earning his BFA at Maine College of Art in 2009.  Cat’s designs exemplify durability, ease of wear, and understated beauty. By working almost exclusively in multiples, utilizing industrial manufacturing services, and celebrating tool marks as elements of design, he strikes a rare balance between artistry & economic accessibility. Cat is represented by boutiques across the United States & is collected internationally. He has taught numerous workshops at Penland School of Crafts, and is excited to be teaching at Peters Valley for the first time!