Mary-Ann Orr

Mary-Ann Orr's 'Wreck'. 
This spring here in Eastern Scotland we had the traumatic discovery of thousands of dead puffins along our coastline, indeed I found one myself. These birds had been killed in the unseasonably bad spring squalls and storms mainly because they were starving and did not have the reserves or strength to continue. 
Mary-Ann Orr's work is a homage to their suffering and though difficult viewing was a stunningly beautiful installation and print series.
"The death of thousands of puffins in the North Sea earlier this year is testimony to the fine balance the birds play with nature, and the threats they face from man's activities. Puffins are already at risk due to shortage in their food, such as sandeel that has been heavily over fished in North Scotland. . .
Dwindling fish stocks combined with increased intensity and frequency of storms induced by climate change is making the seabirds struggle for their life ever more challenging. Yet as you walk along the beach and notice a little carcase in the sand are you aware of how intricately you are linked to its fate." Mary-Ann Orr

Jon Nicolson

Jon Nicolson's degree show at Gray's School of Art was again rich with texture, I liked his experiments with the canvas the raw materials and the stitch.

“My practice deals with an investigation into the body in relation to the subject of brutality, exploring this connection through Painting. Process is an integral part of my working method; I use the deconstruction of the methodology of Painting to create an unsettling presence. The physicality of my working method is a concept I’m conscious of, the works are often ‘sculpted’ in a manner which leaves traces of the human presence in a very deliberate involvement. Mixing unconventional mediums such as latex with the typical I attempt to treat the materials in a similar manner to physical and visceral components, tying together the physicality of the body and the static and inanimate form of Painting to create a viewing response of curiosity and unease in a visceral manner." Jon Nicolson

Emma Rogers

This years degree show at Gray's School of Art was noticeably full of texture. Emma Rogers work is built up with layers of origami and paint and reminded me of the winter frosts.

"The art of origami is a fascinating skill  fundamental to my creative process. Alongside its ability to transform something very simple into something extremely complex. The act of repeatedly folding a piece of paper instigate a process of personal control that i seek within my working practice . . . The methodical manipulation of such simplistic material strives to produce something beautiful out of something seemingly mundane." Emma Rogers

Laura McGlinchey

I travelled to Aberdeen yesterday to see the degree show at Gray's School of Art. 
There was some wonderful work on display that I will share over the next few days.
This piece is by Laura McGlinchey and is as large as it is bright and textured. You can see how her pieces are constructed on her website.

"The paintings that I make are determined by the materials that I can find within my immediate surroundings - billboard paper, event fliers, general advertisement posters , and can logistically take back to the studio." The materials that I find and the way in which I use them, constantly refer back to their original urban context. These environments were selected because they are places that I have associations with and personal memories of. Memories give us knowledge in which to move forward in life." Laura McGlinchey

Funny Colours

'Gob-stoppers make your tongue and thoughts go funny colours' Hazel Terry

Christine Roussey III

With my last illustration from the wonderful Christine Roussey for a while, I would like to say thank you to you all for your continued encouragement and support.
It makes me very happy  to always get such wonderful comments and reactions from featured artists and from people who appreciate the work they are doing.
Thank you.

Christine Roussey II

Vegetable illustrations from the wonderful portfolio of Christine Roussey.

Christine Roussey I

Oh! such delicious line, colour and fun, there is to behold in the work of French illustrator Christine Roussey, I think we will definitely be taking inspiration from these for the completion of our mural.
thank you.

So far . . .

We still have work to do but everyone made a great start yesterday so one more sunny day next week and it should all be looking wonderful. 
Yesterday there was a constant audience which was very funny, charming and wonderful. With great sounds of surprise, lovely comments  and conversations to over hear.

We had help

We had great fun

My wonderful students working hard yesterday.

Mural at East Wemyss Primary School

What is happening? 

Takao Nakagawa IV

Today is my last day working with students this year and it is going to be a big day for amongst all the course work a request came in months ago for a (big) mural in a primary school. 
Today our last day is our first chance to do this and so we are using it as a celebration day. 
The sun is out, the picnics and packed lunches are hopefully packed and my head is full of inspiration, mainly form one of my favourite artists Takao Nakagawa. 
Please wish us good luck and speedy paintbrushes.

Anine Bosenberg

Anine Bosenberg has just graduated from illustration at ECA. Anine has that beautiful mid 20th century style      that is characterised by her limited colour silkscreen illustrations. The pictures here are Anine's development sketches and illustrations for her book 'The Lost Sock'. The windowed book and style remind me of Tove Jansson's work.