A very Scottish stay-cation

Art making has been on hold since the end of July and through August. My home has seen a number of visitors come and go. For those of you who have visited during the Spring Fling Open Studio event, you will know my home is also my work space, so with under 5's visiting, many things had to be packed away. It's been a very busy stay-cation for me this Summer.


First visitors were my grandboys- when you're 3 and almost 5, everything is an adventure. We had enormous fun at the beach, catching crabs in the harbour, flying a kite, being explorers in the garden and playing football on the Harbour Green. It goes without saying, they have a lot of energy! Next, it was my young friends from Germany, making a return visit, but this time with their children. In the UK wherever you are, you're at most, a couple of hours from the sea. Germany is a huge country, by comparison, and they live 6 hours drive from the sea. We just pressed the 'repeat' button and did all those fun activities, all over again. They really enjoyed the crab catching and returned 27 back into the harbour! They were amazed at how clear the sea water is and how there are fish swimming and jumping in the burn. This reminded me, that things we take for granted, are not universal.
Finally, it was the turn of my grandgirl, on her very first visit to my home. We simply pressed the repeat button once again. Despite the weather being typically Scottish, a warm August sun came out unexpectedly on the afternoon we were at the beach. At three years old, with no inhibitions, first the wellies were cast aside, then the waterproof jacket and then all the clothes came off and my grandgirl ran into the sea for a splash in the waves. This wee girl has her own central heating system, I'm sure of it! Memories in the making for all of my young visitors.

Now the crab nets and footballs are stowed back in the cupboard, art activities are back on track again. There are 2 events to prepare for and a trip away, all before the first week of October.
On September 20th/21st/22nd there will be an open studio event across the bay at Drummore. (see my 'about and events' page for more info.)Three artists from the Rhinns of Galloway will be showing their work and demonstrating their skills. They are Linda Irving- felt artist and Jane Fraser- woodturning, at The Mull of Gallery, on the road to the lighthouse. Plus, Glenda Waterworth in Drummore- fine art and hand spun and dyed yarn. Alongside her beautiful artwork, my 'Memory of Fire' artwork, (plus other work), is going to be on display at her studio. It feels like this work is 'going home.' The Smithy that inspired the work is at her studio, just outwith the village of Drummore, on the road to Port Logan. I won't be there, as I already had other plans for that weekend, involving Pablo Picasso and some sunshine. More on that later
. . . . . I have to save something for the next blog post!

Wigtown Book Festival seamlessly follows on from this and you'll find my stand, and me, in The Kist marquee from Friday, 27th September- Tuesday, 1st October, from 10am everyday. I love this event, as there is always such a great atmosphere at the book festival. In the past, I've been told by visitors they were too late to book an event, as it had sold out, but came along to soak up the atmosphere! Perhaps the organisers should think about bottling it! Do call in The Kist and say 'Hi' if you're in the town at all. I hope I'm not next to any chocolatiers this year- the temptation is too much- for 5 days, I need more than just will power!

Applications for Spring Fling Open Studios 2020 have just opened and the closing date is near the end of October. The pressure is on. Searching for inspiration for new work I took a walk along the beach to 'think.' Instead, I found myself collecting seaweed, washed up shells and bits of crab from along the tideline. I dropped it all into a bucket of water at the back door and left it there for the night. I did 'think,' but much later. There will be sketchbook work done and a big dash of imagination will be added at stages along the way, from shore to artwork . . . . . who knows what journey it will take me on?
Spring seems a long way-away now, as the Autumn has arrived here, with blustery winds and rain. The leaves are turning colour and getting blown, or maybe that should be, stripped, from the trees. Tonight there will be clear skies and hopefully we'll see a multitude of stars scattered across the sky. Maybe even a glimpse of the Milky Way and the world does keep turning . . . .
with best wishes,
Liz

Cherish your journey

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