It’s quite nice to be sitting down to write my blog with the curtains drawn as the nights draw in. It’s seems like the summer months have whizzed by and it feels good to take time to reflect, and also to think about what’s coming next in terms of projects and exhibitions.
Over the summer I inherited a beautiful mahogany easel which was made by my father-in-law in the 80’s for his grandson. He was a joiner for the Ministry of Defence on Benbecula, and apart from the usual windows and doors, he made beautiful furniture for the family. In particular he made a lovely coffee table for my sister-in-law. I loved it so much he set about making one for me, with, as he put it, 'slight modifications'. It took him quite a time to make it, but when it arrived it was beautiful - except for the modification! He had found in his workshop (he didn’t throw anything away) some 1960’s black Bakelite TV legs, the angled type that screwed in, with flashy gold feet, as he thought that I would like this ‘modern’ touch. In hindsight he was ahead of his time, as these angled legs can be seen everywhere now on furniture (maybe not Bakelite or with the gold!). For the easel he used his favourite mahogany, and some old leather straps from a school satchel (found in his workshop!) to secure the easel when folded down. When I opened it up and placed a panel that I’d been working on onto it, I was amazed to see that the blue paint on my painting was almost identical to the paint that had been left on the canvas support almost forty years ago. It was a thoughtful moment, how time and people move on, and yet things like this easel continue to carry their history forward.
Projects & Exhibitions: The St Columba’s Hospice Art Exhibition was held last weekend, and it’s still running online until 3rd November. I really enjoy being part of this annual exhibition, it’s so well organised and everybody involved is so lovely and friendly. It’s held in their Education building which has huge windows overlooking the Firth of Forth. Even on a dreary weather day the views are spectacular, as is the lemon drizzle cake in their Iona cafe!
Following on from this is the Macmillan Art Show, this year they are in a new venue at the Cornerstone Centre at St John’s in central Edinburgh. This is my first time of applying, and I’m delighted that three of my paintings were chosen to exhibit. The exhibition is on Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th November, and also online until the 3rd December. As with the St Columba’s Exhibition, 50%+ of the sale proceeds are donated to Macmillan.
Next to St John’s is St Cuthbert’s Kirkyard, which despite being right in the centre of the city is very green and leafy and surprisingly peaceful to walk through. The 18th century Scottish portrait painter Henry Raeburn’s burial place can be seen on the east side, best known for his painting ‘The Reverend Robert Walker Skating on Duddingston Loch’ (‘The Skating Minister’).
I’m also busy sourcing Khardi papers. I’m looking for long slim lengths of 50cm or so; I also quite like the look of some paper I've found made from the inner bark of lokta. I’ve found some gorgeous vintage silk thread that I’ve been hunting for (still on the bobbins!). All this is for very exciting news happening next Spring which will be revealed nearer the time!
I do love starting new projects, there’s so much to discover and learn, however I also really enjoy spending time looking over my past work and sketchbooks. I often find that things that didn’t work at the time now make sense, and my thoughts move onto how can this be brought into new work - a lot of time is definitely spent thinking!
Comments