New Gallery

Two members of the flock are now for sale at Larks Gallery  in Ballater! 

The owner is a very lovely lady called Pip and I'm so pleased that my work is getting out into the world.

'Poised'

  

'White Bird'

Of course I forgot to take the wee 'care of your sculpture' zine so they are being posted tomorrow.

We had an excellent walk too.

Larks Gallery, Ballater

News today is that I was approached by the owner of Larks Gallery, Ballater to show some of my pieces in her gallery.

Things are looking up.

Of course I checked out the website and she has some very beautiful artworks there so going to take the two latest pieces up on Sunday. Even get a day out.

More news and images to follow.

Scottish Sculpture Workshop visit

 On the 3rd April I submitted Open Access dates for SSW as the 4th was their next time for looking at availability. I also emailed Eden the technician there and arranged a visit to ask for their advice on my next steps/time frame for mould making/if project feasible.

...Today was the visit day.

I was nervous as I always am meeting new people and new places. Luckily it was under an hour drive so easy to get to.

I pulled in beside the foundry and then Eden and Michael came out to say hi. I found it fascinating, lots of interesting and odd pieces of metal hanging around and made into useful objects. Just my type of place. Great reuse.

Discussion was positive, I showed the pieces I wanted to make moulds from and cast, and they both agreed it could be done in that time with me doing some work at home too.

This is the Beech leaf.                

 

 I had ideas for another of my plaster pieces, the Oakleaf column and the verdict was that would be fine too. 

 

Progress! The idea of casting these pieces is now beginning to feel attainable. Thank you VACMA and Aberdeen City Council for believing in me.

A Halt in Proceedings

 On the 11th March I found out that I'd been granted a VACMA award from Aberdeen City Council. At the time I was halfway through having covid - not the best of times - and this put a halt on all proceedings. 

I was really excited but had no energy. I couldn't do much of anything really which was very frustrating. 

Today we felt ok enough to begin re-roofing the wee shed I use for sculpture. Old roof off and the wood - well, it wasn't even wood - was bowed and had been leaking for ages as well as the shed slowly listing to the right.

New thicker ply (recycled from an event) went up and and a new centre beam, then I lost my energy and had to have a rest. My partner carried on and put the underfelt on it.

That is where I am now. A new roof on the shed, strengthened to prevent the listing and all tidied, am so pleased. It gives me a sense of joy just to open the door. Now just to get more energy after this illness and I'll get on with the sculptures I want to make.

I've got an award!!!

 Today, the email came through from Aberden City Council about my VACMA Application. I have been granted the award and I'm so excited.

I can now book an Open Access week at the Scottish Sculpture Workshop in Lumsden to learn mould making for bronze casting. 

Things to do, things to organise, mainly myself of course, and ideas to generate.

This is the plaster sculpture I'd like to make castings from. It is life sized so fits beautifully in my hand.

Made during lockdown when I couldn't get access to my stone pieces, the plaster is delicate, as you can imagine but carves wonderfully. I had a couple of plaster blocks hanging around from a craft/art pack we'd been making at the scrapstore (ScrapAntics) for disadvantaged teens amongst others.

Beach Walking

 Yup,

I've been to the beach, Balmedie is the one, near Aberdeen.

Although I did draw a little it was more of a word day.

 

Scrambling over the dunes,

and  a slow step, steep slide

down to the beach.

I walked along following the shell and stone line.

Waves to the right

Calming me

Farther along the shells are broken,

and I hear the crunch of my steps

intermittantly through the sound of the waves.

The tide is going out.

I find a small bag, empty 

and I begin to fill it with rubbish

It makes me feel good.

It fills quickly.

I move to a bigger bag 

and on it goes.

I stop to watch the wee scurry aboot birds (Sanderlings)

eating and cleaning themselves.

Lunch

A dog to pet

A person to greet

Walking back with the sun on my face

This feels good

It brings tears of release

Only a few (maybe more next time)

I walk towards the sun

and shut my eyes

Warm reds and orange - I feel protected by them.

I keep going with the sun as my direction

and the shell line crunch to guide my way.

Pattern Cutting begins again!

So pleased to be back learning with MIN Atelier, aka my friend Tracey, brilliant tutor.

I couldn't remember how much we'd completed when the classes stopped due to lockdown. I thought we were just drawing out the pattern, but to my surprise, I'd already cut out the toile, sewed the two front panels to the back and sewn one sleeve. The two hours went by quickly and it now has two sleeves.

A sense of accomplishment.