Art Trail Eve

I've had a busy time arranging, and rearranging, and fussing about to get my new workspace sorted for the next three days' public viewing.

The cottage living room has tables and chairs and sofas at the ready for coffee shop business, and there have certainly been a few cakes baked. You can enjoy your refreshments surrounded by large canvases painted by Hugh, and smaller stitched silk and paper by me. All lit by a lovely wooden table lamp or two or three with handmade shades.

I called this one Titanic because it lists to port (or starboard, if you prefer)

So I should show you images, but I got too carried away taking photographs of shelves and tools and stuff instead, including my lovely Mark Hearld paper bird perched on the desk light.

 So really, if you want to see more, just mosey along. Hugh will be in his cabin, showing new work and some daft bargains, I'll be in my workspace and you'll surely smell the coffee. If in doubt follow the arrows!

Exhibitionists

Yesterday I travelled to Edinburgh and mingled briefly with Festival crowds as I visited various excellent exhibitions - 

India Street was my main reason for travel, and a date with Lokesh Ghai, assistant curator of The Bombay Sample Book. This exhibition examines the book held in the National Museum of Scotland containing designs printed in Turkey Red. (India Street in the Vale of Leven, backed onto the factory that was the world's biggest producer of Turkey Red fabrics). Lokesh is one of seven designers, from India and Scotland, who were invited to explore the archive, consider the historical and political impacts of the industry and produce contemporary work. It's on until 11th September at Gayfield Creative Spaces

Lokesh at the exhibition's chai stall

Monkey Business by Raw Mango  www.rawmango.in

Chilli Bean Flowers by Lokesh Ghai

A few steps from Gayfield is McNaughtan's Bookshop at the top of Leith Walk. In their lovely little gallery space is beautiful paper work by tapestry artist Jo McDonald
This image does not do the scale or delicacy, or constructive challenge of her work justice. Go see!

 

Dodging torrential showers and dazzling sunlight, I strode off along George Street to catch the Craft Scotland Summer Show too. Here there are mini displays by lots of Scotland's finest, including local jeweller Fiona Luing (who could resist silver ear studs listed as 'teeny', 'tiny' and 'small'?) and silk weaver Dorothy Stewart, based in Lockerbie, whose work is understated and elegant.

Finally, this was a thought-provoking reminder of the price paid in so many ways by our predecessors, and that being paid this minute in war-torn communities.

Art and Tart Time Again!

The annual Crossing Borders art trail takes place at the end of this month.

Hugh and I would be delighted to see you here at Chesters - there are new paintings in Hugh's cabin, a whole new room for me and my textiles and a pop-up coffee shop full of craftwork and cake!

Each day from 10 am until 5pm - look out for the wooden sheep signs

 
You can pick up an Art Trail booklet at venues around the Borders, or download one here