Union Gallery

Ahab

2012-02-02T08:06:00.000-08:00

AHAB

He’s not looking my way.
I know why!
Look at this beauty
and his creels are empty
And the village is watching
I knew it, I said
I’ve hooked this monster before
But people never believe
a man with his feet on the ground
will amount to much.
Get the chips on, darling
I’m king of the world.

'Ahab' by Iain Finlay Macleod.

'Ahab', oil on canvas by James Newton Adams.

Some Of These Things

2012-01-29T10:06:00.000-08:00

'Golden Chain', oil and egg tempera on canvas by Olivia Irvine.

Some of These Things

Imagine some of these things

Not just the glint of a hard, blue glacier

Nor the curl of wrought iron on a bench by the Seine

Not even the haunting music from a pink house,

Chanced upon on a midnight walk

But old, blotched walls

A carpet, faded and worn

A diving platform, a broken parasol, a creaky hinge

And a heart drawn hastily on a greasy window

Imagine and be there

Where the bright leaves dance in the tangled dell

And the rose trellises carve out spaces in the sky

Stay a while and touch the smooth, orange beacons

Left by lopped off branches on the crumbly trunks

Open the cupboard where the imaginary thing lives

Hit that soaring, plastic shuttlecock

Maybe you once had the shell I put in my pocket for a while

Sat on that same lonely, stony shore

And swung on that same peeling gate

Even so

I want to show you the actual tent poles and the signposts

The spotted dresses, the lampposts, the trodden path

I want you to see for yourself

The exact spot we hid the treasure

Feel for yourself the curl of the fine chain on your hand

The drag of a bag on the floor

The soft folds of that curtain drawn aside

Hear the ringing ankle bells

The buffeting whip of a kite

And the crisp turning of another page

Olivia Irvine January 2012

Poetic Licence

2012-01-24T09:08:00.000-08:00

'Passing The Sutor', acrylic on card by James Newton Adams.

I come here every day I love it when my jumper matches the boat.

Today red. A little jackpot. I'll maybe see her, our dogs are quite friendly now and last time she laughed.

If only I would just say it.

'Passing The Sutor' by Iain Finlay Macleod.

Endless Possible Futures

2012-01-18T05:58:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone,

I've been thinking lately that the month of January gets quite a lot of bad press. Sure, it can be grey, cold and tight financially, but lets face it, it is just a month in a man-made calendar and surely it can be just what you make it? Perhaps we should enforce some mind over matter.....

On Tuesday, here in Edinburgh we experienced the coldest day so far this winter which, of course, is to be expected at this time of year. But it was also a beautiful day with bright blue skies and, dare I say it, a welcome appearance from the sun! So it may have been cold, but it was also a day to feel positive about the impending arrival of Spring in a month or so.

At UG we are also feeling positive and excited about the amazing exhibitions we have lined up for this year and about what the future may bring. I've been thinking a lot about this high voltage number and believe it sums up out positive state of mind:

'Endless Possible Futures', oil on canvas, by Patsy McArthur.
Award-winning artist Patsy McArthur will be having a major exhibition with us in the 'endless possible future, and it will be a belter. But as we all know, the best things come to those who wait....

In the meantime, if I have failed to persuade you that January is not a really shite month, the have a look at what else is coming up:

A truly inspirational and beautiful start to the year. Not to be missed....

Blimey! And then we have this:

'Ragged Robin', oil on canvas, by Cathy Campbell.
Folks, if Glasgow-based painter Cathy Campbell's still lifes don't melt your heart, nothing will! Subtle yet powerful, I believe that Cathy's paintings are a metaphor not just for the artist, but for many of our lives - a highly skilled and unique talent that speaks a universal language. There is a lot of interest in Cathy Campbell's first solo exhibition in Edinburgh and we want to share it with as many visitors as possible. So don't be shy, come and be inspired in March.

And here's a lovely photo of artists Kevin Low and Stewart Bremner finalising details of their exhibition, 'Worlds Apart', which will open on Kevin's birthday, April 5th. It won't only be a party to remember, but a stunning exhibition to boot.

We've only tickled the surface of UG's delights for 2012, so stay tuned to learn more about award-winning artists Jenny Matthews and Janet Melrose RSW, and brilliant artistic assassin Norrie Harman.

Speak soon.

Most Coveted

2012-01-11T05:02:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone,

A very Happy New Year to you all, and a warm welcome to our latest follower: it's great to have you with us.

Our Christmas Exhibition continues until January 23rd, so there's still plenty of time to come in and see a superb selection of work from some of the finest artists who show with UG. There's too many great artworks to fit in one blog, so here's a wee slice.

Starting with:

'Hummingbird Bowl', kiln-formed glass, by Jessica Irena Smith.
And....

'Seated Woman II', oil on canvas, by Audrey Grant (you saw her here first, folks...).
Or, perfect for a grumpy January....

'Lead Balloon', sealed lead, by John Brazenall.
Or perhaps....

'Steppe Sisters' acrylic on board, by Drummond Mayo.
And, perfect for the year 2012....

'This Modern World', mixed media. by Megan Chapman.

UG is pleased to report that visual artist Megan Chapman is making the transatlantic journey to join us here in Edinburgh as we speak. Megan will be present in the gallery from 3.00pm on Sunday 22nd January for an informal chat about her work, and we promise there won't be a mince pie in sight! We look forward to seeing you then - feel free to email us for further details.

Speak soon....

Happy News!

2011-12-21T06:07:00.000-08:00

So 2011 has been a bit of a handful for many of us.
I thought as the year slips away we would end it with a little snippet of innocent and happy news.
Look at this smile:

Eleanor Horton is the daughter and mini muse of artist Olivia Irvine and can now take her place in the UG 'hall of fame' (the toilet).

I thought it would be nice to place her alongside heavyweights Philip Braham and David Hosie.
Well done Eleanor.

Happy Christmas to you all and best wishes for 2012!

Messengers from Paradise

2011-12-19T04:08:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone,

I admit that I wasn't fully aware that in Greek Mythology bees were considered to be messengers from Paradise: not until award-winning artist Jenny Matthews tipped me off. It makes sense really, given the importance of their role here on earth - such a shame that we don't hold them in such high regard now.

It is with this sentiment in mind that I'd like to show you what I believe to be one of Jenny Matthews' finest paintings to date:

'Skep Needle Book', acrylic on canvas, by Jenny Matthews.
I think this beautiful painting more than holds its own without further comment from me, but the clincher for me is the honey-sweet story behind it. 'Skep Needle Book' was created for our exhibition 'Plight of the Bumblebee', at the same time as Jenny's parents were preparing to move house. Whilst clearing the attic of their house, Jenny's parents came across her Grandmother's needle book with a picture of an old-fashioned skep on the front - perhaps a message in itself....

Here's what a bee skep looks like:

The highly decorative jug featured in the painting belonged to Jenny's Great Aunt, and I love how both objects have been painted with such care and sensitivity. Indeed, I love this painting.

A mince pie to the first person to tell me how many bees there are in the painting....if you want a closer look, it's currently hanging in our window at the gallery.

Speak soon.

A Labour of Love II

2011-12-16T03:43:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone

Do you remember this?

and this.......

'The Hunt' by Hannah Haworth.

And the bees knees......

All created by the extremely talented sculptor and knitting giant (although she's tiny), Hannah Haworth.
Last Christmas we displayed Hannah's spellbinding and large scale installation, 'The Hunt' and it thrilled all who viewed it. This year we are lucky enough to have 2 beautiful knitted doves from Hannah which again are proving to be a big hit.

'Doves', handy dyed silk yarn and merino wool by Hannah Haworth.

Hannah knitted each feather (of which there's over 100) individually and then seamed them together to create the tail and wings. That's a lot of knitting and sewing people! The doves bodies were then wired to create a sense of movement and flight.
When The Hunt was here last year I practically lived in the gallery. I couldn't get enough of them.
This year, on the arrival of the 'doves from above', I couldn't resist the chance of getting some cuddles (they are super soft) in early, and so took them home for a night before the Christmas opening.
Here they are:

I had to be extremely careful of UG hounds Tommy and Harry who were more than a little interested. Eek, perish the thought!
Naughty doggies:

The Doves, at £120 each, would make an ideal and very beautiful present for someone special this Christmas, as would many of the superb paintings on display. We are open until the 23rd so you have plenty time to come in and pick your favourite.

Speak soon x

2011-12-05T09:14:00.000-08:00

A real cracker for Christmas.....

See you on Thursday!

A Bear Faced Cheek!

2011-12-03T04:07:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone, and welcome to our new follower,

We thought that, as Edinburgh prepares to go Panda mad this weekend with the long anticipated arrival of Tian Tian and Yang Guang (Little Sweetie and Ray of Light to you and me), we would show you something to celebrate.

Nothing could be more fitting than this:

'The Relaxing Pleasure of Shitting in the Woods', oil, beeswax and enamel on board, by Derek McGuire.

Genius! And an all-time favourite by Derek McGuire.

Still three days left to come and see Alison Auldjo's stunning solo exhibition..... The perfect way to warm you up on this cold, cold weekend.

Into The Wilderness

2011-11-27T08:41:00.000-08:00

"Into The Wilderness", oil and mixed media on canvas by Alison Auldjo.

And upon the crumping snows

Stamps, in vain, to warm his toes.

Leaves are fled, that once had power

To resist a summer shower;

And the wind so piercing blows,

Winnowing small the drifting snows,

The summer shade of loaded bough

Would vainly boast a shelter now:

Piercing snows so searching fall,

They sift a passage through them all.

Though all's vain to keep him warm,

Poverty must brave the storm.

Friendship none, its aid to lend:

Health alone his only friend;

Granting leave to live in pain,

Giving strength to toil in vain;

To be, while winter's horrors last,

The sport of every pelting blast.

Poems descriptive of Rural Life and Scenery, 1820

The Secret Lives of Artists

2011-11-24T05:58:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone,

The title of this blog is a little misleading. It should be called 'The Secret Lives of Artists' Partners' but it didn't look so good when I typed it in.....

You probably know that our current exhibition is a solo one of work by my wife and business partner, Alison Auldjo, entitled 'Gone to Earth' - and very beautiful it is too. As well as the bountiful praise that has been heaped on the work there have been some supeb reviews - just reward for such an artistic tour de force.

Much has been made of how Alison fought with the work and how that has been transferred onto the canvas, but I though I might give you a little insight into how the process of creating an exhibition affects the artist's nearest and dearest. Those of you who are close to an artist may just recognise some of my thoughts on the matter.

It is impossible for anyone to really appreciate the stress, angst and downright grumpiness of the artist at work until you have experienced it yourself. Alison and I have been married for 18 months, and at least 12 of those months have been a living hell because of the impending storm that is 'Gone to Earth'. Night after night of tantrums, self-doubt and the searching for reassurance take their toll on you - even more so because as a mere bystander there is very little you can do about it. Of course, you can remind the talented one just how good they are, and you can give an inciteful critique of the work as it emerges, but it really won't help - trying to convince an artist that they are doing the right thing is like trying to convince a banker that they shouldn't take their bonus; even if they know you're right they won't listen. Here's the maestro at just such a moment:

A tired and emotional Alison Auldjo in her studio.

Of course, there are great highs when a work is completed or is coming along well, but even that is fraught with danger. You cannot avoid the 'does my bum look big in this' moment when you try and be constructive but nothing you say will be right! The world of the artist, bearing their soul for all to see, is a confusing one for those of us who are not that way inclined.....I am relieved that I only have to go through it by association.

The end result, however, is an exhibition of astonishingly powerful and beautiful paintings that mean even more to me because I truly appreciate what it has taken to create them. Visitors to the gallery are responding so well to the work that it fills me with pride and not a little emotion. Just have a look at this:

'Safety in Numbers', oil on canvas, by Alison Auldjo

And this:

'Into the Wilderness', oil on canvas, by Alison Auldjo

And finally, at this:

'Open Spaces', oil on canvas, by Alison Auldjo

If you haven't been in to see the work, you really should before the exhibition closes on 5th December - it is an exhibition full of subtlety and beauty.

The exhibition may have had a painful birth, but it was worth it and I wouldn't have had it any other way.

Brothers in Arms II

2011-11-19T08:50:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone,

We have some more insightful words about Alison Auldjo's solo exhibition, Gone to Earth, from those in the know. Firstly from brilliant abstract artist Trevor Jones:

'Rarely, if ever, has a great gallery owner also been a great artist. Check out the latest exhibition @UNIONgallery1 - Alison Auldjo has pulled out all the stops and put on an absolutely stunning and inspiring show. Congrats to Alison and also to the Union Gallery for breaking all the rules!'

'Run and Hide', oil on canvas, by Alison Auldjo

And secondly, Glasgow painter Annette Edgar simply says: 'Visual poetry'.

I couldn't have put it better myself, many thanks to you both.

If you haven't made it along to see Alison's stunning exhibition yet, you really should......

Brother in Arms

2011-11-16T05:52:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone,

I just wanted to share a few words that mean a lot to me concerning my solo exhibition, 'Gone to Earth'.

Running an art gallery is a very special job and I consider it quite an honour. We get to exhibit the work of many exceptional talents and take our role in the career of these talents very seriously, seeing it as a privilege to be part of that. However, at UG we believe that our relationship with many artists is not purely about the business of art,
and that you form a bond or a partnership with those you work with.

That is why the the thoughts of outstanding artist Dylan Lisle are important to me, and when he writes about my work I sit up and listen. This entry on his blog means a great deal to me:

http://dylanlisle.blogspot.com/2011/11/auldjo-nails-it.html

I hope you like it too. Thanks, Dylan

Wise Words Indeed

2011-11-15T04:41:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone,

There's a good chance that you've already seen Alan McIntosh's brilliant review of Alison's beautiful exhibition, Gone to Earth, but if you haven't just follow the line below. It is a superb piece of writing that Alison feels sums up her work better than she can:

http://www.broughtonspurtle.org.uk/news/gone-earth

Here's a look at another of the works in this exhibition, which I do hope you all get the chance to come and see.

'The Longest Day with Angel, Devil and a Hare', oil on canvas, by Alison Auldjo.

See you all soon.

'Gone to Earth' is go!

2011-11-11T08:20:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone,

Alison's solo exhibition, 'Gone to Earth', opens tonight. Be prepared for a real feast for the eyes!

'Silent Observers of the Passing Seasons', oil on canvas, by Alison Auldjo.

"I would describe my work as a personal response to, and need of, the landscape as a means of release, appreciation and escapism.
My paintings are not necessarily traditional or representational and it is only recently I have realised that there is an important element of autobiography in the work. I turn to, and rely on, the landscape to express emotions. I find that it is in natural surroundings that I can realise my inner most feelings: be they joy, uncertainty or longing. Often I deliberately seek out the remotest places, or most comforting, to reflect upon and record important developments in my life.
I find landscape matches my ideas and my “style” of painting very well - it is endless, full of possibility and non-restrictive. There is also an obvious, untampered beauty in the landscape that one can only aspire too. I strive and embrace the challenge of achieving painterly qualities. I like paintings that demonstrate how the work was fought with and nurtured. I like “battle scars”, mark-making and layers of thought. I tend to stop at nothing to achieve the effects I want.

The majority of work in this exhibition was produced in the summer, in a small wooden chalet near the Solway Firth. It is a place that I have visited many times to make work and, although it may sound like an idyllic setting, the actual process was hell for me. On speaking to a regular visitor to the gallery recently, he made a comment about artists producing their best work when they are under pressure and in times of need. Perhaps that’s true but in the time I spent there, I forced myself to reflect upon, and get to grips with, what my work is actually about and that led me to some pretty dark places. Having spent so much time getting inside the ‘zones’ of other artists and working out what makes them tick, I knew I had to force myself to do the same thing. It was a very stressful and emotional experience that I would not choose to go through again (although I know I will), but ultimately out of that experience came some of the strongest paintings in the exhibition and, I believe, some of the best work I have ever produced.

This exhibition is titled ‘Gone to Earth’, after the Mary Webb novel of the same name, and I have tried to use the landscape as a metaphor for the need of artists and, indeed, the wider public to support each other and help each other in these difficult economic and social times. With titles such as ‘Safety in Numbers’ and ‘Run and Hide’, much of this new work has a melancholy feel to it and perhaps an edge of uncertainty - a comment on the situation in which we find ourselves – yet even in these dark times there is still beauty to be found."

Alison Auldjo

November 2011

11.11.11

2011-11-08T07:26:00.000-08:00

Looking forward to seeing you all shortly.......

The Genji Series

2011-11-05T08:31:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

I hope that you're all enjoying the beautiful autumn weather we've been having this week, and that it's keeping you in a positive frame of mind. If not, then you still have 3 days left to come and see some beautiful paintings inspired by autumn at the gallery, and they are guaranteed to inspire you.

One of the artists exhibiting is gallery regular Mark Nichols Edward, whose instantly recognisable paintings of exotic fish are always so popular. In fact, we are lucky enough to own a superb Mark Edward painting ourselves. His paintings seem to have an extremely calming and positive effect on all who view them: just this morning a client commented that he felt he could put his hand into the painting and actually stroke the fish - what a lovely concept. Mark's work is constantly developing with new techniques and concepts appearing all the time, but it has to be said that for this exhibition he has really excelled himself, producing what I believe to be his best work so far. just take a look at this:

'Genji I', acrylic on canvas, by Mark Nicholas Edward.
A real beauty, isn't it? One of a series of 9 Genji paintings we have in the gallery.

Mark always uses interesting titles, and the use of Genji is no exception. Genji, a story written by the Japanese noblewoman Murasaki Shikibu in the early 11th century, is generally considered to be the world's first novel. In very, very simple terms it is a tale of love and passion that follows the lives of many characters from childhood to old age. It documents how they change and develop over that time, and Mark has long likened this to the changing of the seasons - how appropriate for an exhibition entitled The Onslaught of Autumn. Just like his meticulous paintings, his use of such a title is thoughtful and clever.

Feel free to pop in for a look if you have the time.

Speak soon.

A Spacious Place

2011-10-29T05:53:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

One of the great artists currently exhibiting in The Onslaught of Autumn is the fabulous Hazel Cashmore. Hazel was one of the very first artists that we showed here, and our love of her work grows every time we see more of it.

Hazel's use of colour and texture gives her paintings an amazing sense of depth and space. None more so than this:

'A Spacious Place (on the Flows)', acrylic on board, by Hazel Cashmore.
The Flow Country in Caithness refers to an ancient and unique environment of blanket bogland - the largest in the United Kingdom and one of the largest in the world. It is frequently referred to as The Last Real Wilderness in the United Kingdom. The terrain consists of vast acres of wetland where moss, cotton grass and other vegetation grow. Hazel, who lives locally, is attracted to the vast spaces and beautiful vegetation with subtle but rich colours, backdropped by the huge Caithness sky .

How lucky we are that a painter as gifted as Hazel Cashmore happens to live in such a stunning environment so that she can record it for us in her own unique way. This is just one of four of her paintings currently in the gallery. They are all worthy of spending some time with.

Hopefully you will get the time to do just that before the exhibition closes.

Think About It!

2011-10-23T07:00:00.000-07:00

Thanks to gallery visitor Douglas Fraser for posting this in.

How very true!

Speak soon.....

The Itinerant Painter

2011-10-18T05:25:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

The new exhibition, 'The Onslaught of Autumn', has got off to a flying start with a very well attended preview last Thursday, and lots of interest in the beautiful paintings we are showing.

One of the artists that is enjoying a particularly high amount of attention is Tadeusz Deregowski.

Born in Zambia, raised and educated in Scotland and now living in Brazil, Tadeusz Deregowski is one of a rare breed of artists.

He lives a truly nomadic existence, travelling the world with his portable kit, painting those things that interest and inspire him. Deregowski creates a painting every day, wherever he is in the world, and stores them in his home made cases so he can move them even when still wet. Trained at Edinburgh College of Art, he is a fine artist in one of the oldest of artistic traditions – that of the traveller painting what he finds around him. He is a painter of the highest quality creating beautiful little paintings, each of which is dated for the day it was produced.

Have a look at this:

'View from B&B, Elgin (11 July)' oil on board, by Tadeusz Deregowski.

And this little beauty:

'On the way to Nethy Bridge (17 July)', oil on board, by Tadeusz Deregowski.

I'll let Tadeusz himself explain:

‘My interest is primarily in recording my subjective responses to places, buildings, things and people.

The subjects which appeal to me most are places which are in some way hidden or mysterious: one of the central functions of art for me is the revealing of secrets. Cities which are seldom visited or the places off the tourist circuit hold more interest to me than more obvious sights, and I love to use art as a form of, and motivation for, exploration. Similarly, I love to use portraiture as a way of studying people in their environments, attempting to show their inner lives.

I see my work in the line of both travel painter-diarists such as Edward Lear or Turner, and expressionist painters such as Bonnard or Joan Eardley: I have a little portable kit with which I can easily transport materials and wet paintings.

I have a daily routine of producing postcard-sized or even credit-card sized paintings on card. These are painted plein-air using oils.

The idea of being a sort of itinerant, travelling painter, a la Turner, is one that I find immensely appealing, combining as it does the roles of explorer, artist and holidaymaker. I intend to spend a considerable amount of time in the future pursuing longer and longer trips. Next I shall go to the UK, after that I’d love to visit the USA again, Chile, Iran, the Caucuses, Japan and more of Brazil.

I currently live in Florianopolis, in southern Brazil, but I often travel, usually to Europe or within Latin America.’

A great painter in the finest traditions.

More to follow on the other fine artists who have contributed to 'The Onslaught of Autumn'.

The Onslaught Of Autumn

2011-10-10T08:20:00.000-07:00

See you all Thursday for this:

and this....

and probably some of these.....

I love Autumn!

The End of the Bees?

2011-10-09T07:29:00.000-07:00

Bees! Bees! Hark to your bees!
"Hide from your neigbours as much as you please, But all that has happened, to us you must tell, Or else we will give you no honey to sell!"

A maiden in her glory,
Upon her wedding - day,
Must tell her Bees the story,
Or else they'll fly away.
Fly away -- die away --
Dwindle down and leave you!
But if you don't deceive your Bees,
Your Bees will not deceive you.

Marriage, birth or buryin',
News across the seas,
All you're sad or merry in,
You must tell the Bees.
Tell 'em coming in an' out,
Where the Fanners fan,
'Cause the Bees are just about
As curious as a man!

Don't you wait where the trees are,
When the lightnings play,
Nor don't you hate where Bees are,
Or else they'll pine away.
Pine away -- dwine away --
Anything to leave you!
But if you never grieve your Bees,
Your Bees'll never grieve you.

'The Bee', by Rudyard Kipling

Last two days to enjoy our beautiful exhibition, Plight of the Bumblebee, before it buzzes off into history. Come along and enjoy!

Precious Bees

2011-10-02T07:57:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

Along with all the fabulous bee paintings in the gallery this month, there are some interesting and unusual sculptures that have also been specially created for the Plight of the Bumblebee exhibition.

'Precious' is a work by Czech artist Marcela Trsova, who you may remember by her fabulous ''Sea of Souls' installation earlier this year. Marcela is a highly creative and imaginative artist who likes to use natural materials in her work. 'Precious' is made largely from black beeswax - unusual in this country, and created from the type of heather the bees pollinate:

'Precious', black beeswax and gold wire, by Marcela Trsova.
Each ball represents an element of the cycle of life, with the ancient symbols of the Seed, the Flower and the Fuit of Life depicted in the gold wire.

I'll let Marcela take up the story:

'The bees are an important part of food chain as without the pollination there will be no fruit, vegetables or cereals for us to eat. There are other pollinators in nature such as flies and wasps but bees remain the most important, espeacially for industrial agriculture.
In the piece I have created for the Plight of the Bumblebee exhibition I wanted to emphasize the importance of the bees in plants life cycle. To do so I used the ancient symbols of The Seed, The Flower and The Fruit of Life. They are considered to be one of the key parts of sacred geometry and have been used in many different cultures. They are also said to contain the values and the fundemental forms of space and life.

I feel the beautiful geometry of the designs is also related to the amazing organisational efficiency of the bees and geometrically perfect construction of honeycombes.
The design gets more complex as the plant cycle progresses, The Seed of Life being the simplest one. The symbols are drawn with gold plated wire and are embedded into the natural black bee wax spheres. The wax is dark because the pollen collected by the bees comes from heather moors, by using the gold wire I wanted to express the preciousness of the bees.'

And here are the individual elements up close:

'The Seed of Life'

'The Flower of Life', and:

'The Fruit of Life'

Like all the artists who have created work for this exhibition, Marcela has really thought about the issue of the declining bee population and really gone the extra mile to produce something relevant, interesting and beautiful. There is still a week to go, so you have plenty of time to come in and view this inspirational and poignant exhibition.

Speak soon....

Baby Bees

2011-09-30T07:40:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

I hope you have all been making the most of the September heat wave!

I'd like to introduce you to the splendid work of UG's youngest ever exhibiting artists....

I would like to say a special thank you to 6 year old Daisy May, granddaughter of landscape painter Hazel Cashmore, whose exceptional work is coming up next month. Hazel sent me a picture of a gorgeous painting that Daisy May did last year and I was amazed by it. So, Daisy May gave me the idea to invite some of UG's artists' children to participate in the Plight of The Bumblebee exhibition. The excellent results are as follows:

'Happy Bee' by 6 year old Daisy May.
and

'Buzzy Bees' by 6 year old Ishbel Moore.
and

'Bees and Baskets' by 9 year old Eleanor Horton.
and

'Bees, Unicorn and Pink Pony' by 5 year old Jessie McGuire.
What a refreshing and wonderful insight into the worlds of young children! Apologies to young Suzanna Horton that I am unable to supply an image of her artwork, but the proud new owner was so keen to get it home that I didn't get time to photograph it.
The real magic and joy about these paintings is that the children earned a little pocket money whilst doing something they enjoyed, the Bumblebee Conservation Trust got some funds too, but more importantly the children learned a valuable lesson about the importance of our beautiful bees.

If you are in our neck of the woods tomorrow then pop in between 12-2 as Ooh Fashion are having a launch party. You can enjoy a glass of fizz and see what we have all been up to.

Have a buzzy weekend all!

Iconic and Eternal Bees

2011-09-27T05:13:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

In my last post I mentioned the amazing feedback we are receiving about the 'Plight of the Bumblebee' exhibition, and how impressed people have been with the commitment and enthusiasm demonstrated by the artists exhibiting. So I'd like to take a closer look at the work of another of these great artists, Sally Ann Johns.

I distinctly remember the first time I met Sally, and the first time I was introduced to her work. My reaction was an instant 'Wow! This is very different', and there was no doubt that this was work I'd be proud to show. Sally's work is influenced by the iconography of the Catholic and Apostolic Churches, with her often stylised subjects surrounded by painstakingly applied gold leaf, presented in their own hand-crafted cases. They become more than a work of art - they become 'precious artefacts', as Sally describes them.
Let's take a look at these precious artifacts:

There's a certain time in the afternoon when the sun (if it's kind enough to put in an appearance) hits Sally's work and the result is quite spectacular - it glows and is something to behold. I should note the exact time so that we could arrange viewings of this spectacular show! However, what has really impressed me and many others is Sally's individual care and attention to detail. She has actually gone to the trouble of researching and pairing off her honeybees and bumblebees with their favourite flowers:

'Bumblebee I', pastel and gold leaf on board, by Sally Ann Johns.
This flower is the Common Centuary, or Centaurium Erythraea.
And:

'Honeybee I', pastel and gold leaf on board, by Sally Ann Johns.
A honeybee on a Purple-stemmed Aster, or Symphyotrichum Puniceum.

Very clever: not only has Sally created some very beautiful works of art, she has gone the extra mile to ensure that her carefully crafted subjects will live in happiness within an eternal vacuum of gold leaf.

Speak soon.

The Bee Hunter

2011-09-24T07:56:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

So as the summer draws to a close and autumn slaps us in the face, I've been thinking about the bees and insects and their continuing plight, which is made even harder as conditions harshen.

In the lead up to this exhibition I had done some swatting up on bees and the problems they (and all insects) face, and how we can help. I'm even taking steps to make my garden more bee and butterfly friendly. If you want any tips, just ask me!

So I've learnt a fascinating fact or two about the bees, and I can even identify (at very close range) the odd species. However, I can't claim to have studied the bees and butterflies in half as much detail as award-winning artist Jenny Matthews.

This is a great photo of Jenny visiting the hives at Edinburgh University's King Buildings. Jenny explains that a beekeepers suit does not actually prevent you from being stung - only from being stung to death. Reasuring I know, but surely there's a bit of a design flaw there. Still, I suppose we must all suffer for our art!

Indeed, such was the committment of Jenny Matthews to this exhibition that her husband, Pierre, tells me that she adopted unusual behavoiral patterns such as dashing off in mid conversation having spotted a particular butterfly or bee. The following photos show Jenny researching and hard at work:

In the Pentlands, and:

In the Botanic Gardens.

So basically, Jenny Matthews spent her summer throwing herself into this project and I am very grateful to her, as I am to all the artists who have contributed to the exhibition. The results of her work are outstanding, and this shows:

'Insect Observations: Summer 2011', watercolour, by Jenny Matthews.
What a stunning painting this is!

The feedback on this exhibition has been extraordinary and very encouraging, and so far we have raised £700 for The Bumblebee Conservation Trust. This is great news and proves that, even in these difficult times, it is still important to give something back where you can, especially as all charities are struggling just now.

I will end by wishing you all a happy weekend and, if you're very, very lucky, next time I will share with you some of the secrets behind my favourite Jenny Matthews painting to date:

'Skep Needle Book', acrylic on canvas, by Jenny Matthews.

Keep Buzzin'

The Honey Hunter

2011-09-20T04:15:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

'The Bear, The Bees, Trees and Yellow Elephant' by Derek McGuire.

The Honey Hunter is doing as he pleases

Not giving a fuck about the worker bees

The big picture's not about the stumbling economy

Come along and support our bumbling ecology

Food for thought.....

Plight of the Bumblebees from NYC

2011-09-17T07:09:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

Some of you will remember the amazing installation 'The Hunt' by Hannah Haworth that we were lucky enough to have in the gallery last December. A magnificent knitted work of life-size dogs pulling a sledge.

Such is Hannah's love of the natural world, and such is her talent as an artist, she was one of the very first people we approached to contribute to the current exhibition, Plight of the Bumblebee. And, in her usual manner, she set about creating something special for us. Here is the result:

A stunning army of life-size knitted bumblebees, 50 in total, which currently adorn our window sill. They are made from merino wool, kindly donated by suppliers Malabrigo, and are perfect in every way. Just have a look at this:

Hannah became a little obsessed with accuracy, and we are hugely grateful for all the work she put into this project.

Sadly for those of you who fancy a perfect little knitted bee, they are not for sale. When you buy an artwork from this exhibition to support the bees, we are happy to give you one as a thank you. Numbers are dwindling already.....

Hannah also produced a limited run of 5 Honeybee Woodcuts that are also showing this month. Each is numbered and unique, as well as being beautifully formed:

'Bee IV' by Hannah Haworth.

More bee news very soon.....

The Assisi Bees!

2011-09-14T09:06:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone

Well, we are still buzzing here at UG, and today we are taking a closer look at the Assisi Bees.

Firstly, I'd like to say a huge thanks to all 15 artists that have contributed to make 'Plight of the Bumblebee' a really magnificent exhibition. We are very grateful for all your hard work and genuine enthusiasm. So far your efforts have helped raised £700 for the Bumblebee Conservation Trust. Hurrah!

One of the artists is the lovely Janet Melrose who's successful solo show, 'A Still Life', wowed us all back in May. Janet is something of a catalyst for this exhibition. Having previously visited her amazing studio, I remember laying my hands on the most exquisite drawings of bees and being quite taken a back at how beautiful there were. The drawings planted the initial seed for a bee exhibition. Janet had started drawing bees after her daughter took part in a bee survey at Dundee University. Lets look at a real belter:

As you can see we used this beautiful drawing on the invite.

Janet made this particular piece back in the Easter holidays when she decided to make a drawing of a bee every day, and attempt to identify the different species she found. 'I liked the idea of repeating the same motif and allowing the drawing to grow' she explains.

On a recent holiday to Assisi (which became a working holiday, sorry a bout that Scott!), Janet drew bees and insects at every opportunity. Some of which were drawn on postcards from Assisi which resulted in these bees:

and......

'Post Card from Assisi VI & III' by Janet Melrose.

Janet has captured the warmth and colour of the Mediterranean perfectly. The fact they are observed from real bees shines through: there is a freshness and energy in the work, and I think the bees look like they are crawling over the post cards. I love the bee in the above piece, just clinging on to his favourite tipple.

Here's how they look on the wall:

Perfectly observed and perfectly framed.

That's all the news on the Assisi Bees. Next up, it's New York Bees!

Lastly, what do Beekeepers and Ironmen have in company?? I'm not sure either, but I think I'm about to find out.....

Will keep you posted x

Nancy The Greedy Bee!

2011-09-12T07:40:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone

So as Hurricane Katia continues to give us a battering, I have been thinking about the poor wee bees even more of late.
Union Gallery's current exhibition, 'Plight of the Bumblebee' aims to raise funding for, and awareness of, the declining bee population. 20% of the proceeds of this exhibition will be donated to the Bumblebee Conservation Trust whose vital work you can read about here:
www.bumblebeeconservation.org

Instead of blustery winds and flattened barnets, I will attempt to transport you somewhere calm, warm and sunny. How about Nancy in France?

I will let glass making supremo Jessica Irena Smith take it from here, but first a quick look at her gorgeous bee inspired work:

'Bee Bowl I', kiln formed glass by Jessica Irena Smith.
The faded bee motif represents the decline in the bee population.

"I'm just back from France where I took on your challenge of finding a French bumble bee! We were staying in Nancy, which is really beautiful (and an important city in the history of glass making), and has gorgeous parks. I'd almost given up on finding a bumble bee in the park - there were lots of honey bees, but no bumbles - when I came across the lovely plump specimen in the photos!

He (or she?) was sitting so still that at first I thought he'd popped his clogs! I think he'd just been a bit greedy and tired himself out (he was absolutely covered in pollen), because he eventually bumbled off to the next flower!

I've attached a few pics for you to see. I know you'll be wondering how you can tell it's definitely a French bumble bee, but I'm sure this close up shot will leave you in no doubt....."

and.....

Alors! Je suis si plein je peux me deplacer a peine!

Hurry back for more busy bee action soon - next time they will be Assisi bees!

Time to buzz off!

Plight of the Bumblebee!

2011-09-05T09:42:00.000-07:00

Post Festival blues?
We have the answer.....

A beespoke exhibition that will help restore some buzz!

I will leave you with this wonderful photo of artist Jenny Matthews suited and booted and ready for action.
All will bee revealed.......

Fallen Leaves

2011-09-03T05:43:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone

The good news is there's still time to see 'Still', award-winning artist Philip Braham's solo exhibition, and I cannot recommend it highly enough.

You've probably noticed that Autumn arrived pretty sharpish this year!

Indeed, this (dodgy) photo was taken back in August and I was genuinely shocked to see the leaves had already started turning.
I had deliberately been out searching for fallen leaves as I am somewhat fascinated by a certain painting in Philip's exhibition:

"Fallen Leaves", Oil on Board by Philip Braham.
It's is a small painting...a real treasure... and so effective precisley for it's intimacy.

I enjoy the darkness and mystery, and I think Philip Braham has captured the moment perfectly.

I will 'leave' you with this ;) Have a great weekend all.
http://www.scotsman.com/features/Visual-art-reviews-Heirlooms-.6827400.jp

Praise Indeed

2011-08-23T09:04:00.000-07:00

The Black Woods of Rannoch,, oil on canvas 2011, by Philip Braham.

A quote from Philip Braham's guest book:
'Seldom that I am so enthusiastic, but: absolutely superb!

To find out what all the excitement is about, you really should come and have a look before the exhibition closes on 5th September.

Snapshot

2011-08-20T05:26:00.000-07:00

This is a great photo of award winning artist Philip Braham in front of his painting 'Antonine Hill'
at the opening of his solo exhibition, 'Still'.

House Sparrow

2011-08-17T07:43:00.000-07:00

House Sparrow, oil on canvas 2011, by Philip Braham

The brawling of a sparrow in the eaves,

The brilliant moon and all the milky sky,

And all that famous harmony of leaves,

Had blotted out man's image and his cry.

A girl arose that had red mournful lips

And seemed the greatness of the world in tears,

Doomed like Odysseus and the labouring ships

And proud as Priam murdered with his peers;

Arose, and on the instant clamorous eaves,

A climbing moon upon an empty sky,

And all that lamentation of the leaves,

Could but compose man's image and his cry.

'The Sorrow of Love', W. B. Yeats

Enlightening

2011-08-14T04:43:00.000-07:00

http://www.broughtonspurtle.org.uk/news/still-waters-run-deep

Great Minds Think Alike...

2011-08-09T08:10:00.000-07:00

http://www.heraldscotland.com/mobile/arts-ents/stage-visual-arts/philip-braham-still-union-gallery-edinburgh-1.1115131

Hold The Press!

2011-08-01T10:21:00.000-07:00

This is award winning artist Philip Braham giving a final check over the catalogue that will accompany his incredible solo exhibition, 'Still'.

Opening on Friday, this exhibition has been tipped as a Festival 'must see' and with interest high already, Philip's show will prove to be one of the hottest acts in town.

See you Friday.....

Mirror Mirror On The Wall

2011-07-31T07:40:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone

So as the 'Head To Head' exhibition comes to a close I'd like to finish up with a nod to this special painting:

'Mirror Mirror On The Wall', acrylic & screenprint on canvas by Sophie McKay Knight.

Yes, I think it's fair to say that 'Mirror Mirror' is one of the fairest paintings on the wall, and in an exhibition that has proved to be another high point for Union Gallery.

A huge thank you to artists Sophie McKay Knight, Norrie Harman, Joyce Gunn Cairns MBE and David Hosie.

Joyce Gunn Cairns 'Chrysalis'

2011-07-27T08:45:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone

I hope you are well and enjoying the Scottish summer time....better late than never!
Speaking of which, the current exhibition, 'Head to Head', is now in the final week, so you still have time to come in and see these remarkable artworks.
I've noticed something about this exhibition that I haven't really considered before - it requires an element of silence to experience the work fully.
Perhaps this is due to much of the work being so 'emotionally charged', artists Norrie Harman and Joyce Gunn Cairns being brilliant examples.
Lets have a look at this:

'Chrysalis, Self Portrait' oil and pencil on card by Joyce Gunn Cairns.

Now this work has received a lot of attention and perhaps doesn't require me to say that much about it. It's a strong and confident , yet hugely sensitive and revealing painting which I believe holds it's own.
However, I've been looking at 'Chrysalis' everyday now for nearly a month . It's 'got me', and I'd be loathed to say farewell without giving it the salute it deserves.
There is much to admire in this work and indeed in the artist herself. As an exercise in drawing and painting, I really don't think it gets better than this. For me, everything is bang on - the composition, gently dominated by a dignified and noble pose, mark making at it's finest and an informed and subtle palette....there is no need for over-intrusive colour here.
Then of course there's the title, 'Chrysalis'. I wonder if perhaps I feel such an affinity for this painting because it's a self portrait by a female artist looking honestly and reflecting on herself. Constantly growing, ever evolving, whilst embracing age and wisdom with grace and perhaps a little uncertain of the journey. Having got to know Joyce as a person, I think of her as a solo warrior, committed to producing work of the highest integrity and true to herself: driven, but always willing to support, share and educate her fellow artists and the wider community. It is not by chance that Joyce Gunn Cairns has an MBE....an accolade awarded from Buckingham Palace does not happen all that often and is reserved for only the best of the best.
So I'm going to end, having thought about it a little more, by saying that surely a painting like 'Chrysalis' does not appeal just to women?
Don't both men and women often feel the urge to stop, take an honest look at themselves and consider both their past and future?

'I suffer from the wilderness

I suffer in silence

A loss of identity

Adience'

''Identity Of The Self" Anon 2009.

Speak soon.....

The Eyes Have It

2011-07-17T08:21:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone

I hope you have managed to catch some sun in between dodging the downpours.

I wanted to steer your attention to some captivating and haunting gazes in the current exhibition 'Head to Head'.
First of all I'd like to start with a piercing stare that is not part of the exhibition:

Thia photo is simply called 'Afghan Girl' and became one of the most famous National Geographic pictures ever. Indeed, it was featured on the cover of National Geographic's Top 100 Pictures of all time. This 12 year old refugee's photo was taken in 1984 and her iconic stare captivated audiences for years. It was the first time anyone had ever taken her photo.
If you have never seen 'Afghan Girl' before you can read more about her here:

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2002/03/0311_020312_sharbat.html

I brought Afghan Girl into the equation as, on viewing David Hosie's 'Arabian Child' I immediately thought of her.

'Arabian Child', oil on panel by David Hosie.
Similarly, 'Ghanaian Girl II' thumps me with the same impact as Afghan Girl.

David Hosie has painted this beautiful woman twice now and she is a direct result of a field trip David made to Ghana last year.
Tired of the constant reports of economic doom and gloom in this country, David wanted to get a fresh perspective on poverty. I thought his trip to be admirable:the photos he sent back to us were pretty grave and I for one was also given a new perspective on what it is to be skint.

And look at these boys, and look them in the eyes:

and

These 'Young Spartans' look rough and ready and, for me, there is no escaping their gaze which is determined and yet vulnerable at the same time.

This next painting I definitely have eyes for:

'Bonxie', oil and pencil on card by Joyce Gunn Cairns.

Gosh, the haunting stare of 'Bonxie'.
After Joyce's work was hung a lot of time was spent simply experiencing this painting.
Now, there's a beautiful and moving story behind 'Bonxie', which I believe should be shared between the four walls of the gallery. For me, 'Bonxie' is a jewel in its own right and I am pleased, from the response, that many others can see this too. That there 'happens' to be an intelligent and sensitive seed behind 'Bonxie's' creation is an added bonus. Of course intelligent and sensitive is artist Joyce Gunn Cairns all over.

Next time we will be looking more at Joyce Gunn Cairns and the work of Sophie McKay Knight. In particular this treasure:

'Mirror Mirror on the Wall', acrylic and screenprint on canvas by Sophie McKay Knight.

Oh, and I want to leave you with another iconic gaze which is also captivating many people....

'Antonine Hill', oil on canvas by Philip Braham.
This painting will be shown in Phil's solo exhibition 'Still' which opens next month.

People are fascinated by people.

Happy Sundays x

It's A Tough Job, But Somebody's Got To Do It....

2011-07-12T06:02:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone

The blog has been a bit quiet of late because I have taken advice from the wise and caved in to the pressure to create an 'official' Union Gallery facebook page. Feel free to 'like' it or become a friend there. To be honest, I've had trouble adjusting to it: until now all social 'meeja' stuff has been done by me, a person, and have been personal observations and thoughts which I hope have been done with some kind of insight and empathy. Trying to post messages on a facebook page as another brick in the wall, or as a fly on the wall, really isn't my style. I can do measured, but I like a bit of passion too. I am sure I'll get the hang of it so please bear with me. However, this particular blog has been brewing for quite some time and really can't come from the viewpoint of a brick....so here goes:

I want to write about what it entails to be an artist. I say it's been brewing for a while, but like most artists it's probably played on my mind for as long as I can remember and, until now, I haven't really had the means to express it.
Possibly it's all bubbled to the surface now as I recently attempted to catch up on some painting of my own. Until now it has largely been a secret that I went away for a weeks worth of art 'boot camp': because I feel guilty when not at UG, which has become very much my 'second home'...a second life-line if you like, I had been neglecting my painting.
I got quite a lot of 'stuff' done at boot camp and, although I found it somewhat traumatic (to say the least), I am very glad that I did it. I took an awful lot away from that week, the most important thing being that I reacquainted myself with the harsh realities of what it is to be an artist. This may sound a little strange or even over-dramatic, but seriously it's a tough job. And it really is a 'calling'.
I am sure many artists have, in their time, experienced comments such as, 'it must be great to be doing what you truly love', or 'I wish I was gifted'. Well, yes and no.....I've often thought of it as something more like a curse than a gift, an addiction or, at its worst, an abusive relationship.
There is no doubt that if you are a creative type, that menace inside you will not let you be. It is a calling and it will niggle and goad you until you do something about it. At boot camp it brought home to me again just what a strange and uncertain profession being an artist is. It's a lonesome occupation, often involving long, unpredictable and unsociable hours. Indeed, many artists have to juggle their calling with other jobs, so that they can subsidise the making of their artwork. It's often dirty, smelly and involves all sorts of nasty chemicals that we are told to avoid:

Then there's the self doubt and personal angst/torture that is compounded by working in solitary conditions. What am I doing? Is this any good? etc. etc. Then, there's the best part....it's often unpaid! Any artist will tell you that it's an expensive business; paint, brushes, canvases and frames all cost an arm and a leg, and it all adds up. The cliched image of the starving artist all alone in their garret is not so far from the truth....

However, just like any addiction, there are fantastic highs:
To create an artwork that is truly unique and which you believe to be one of the best you've ever done is enthralling, exciting and totally untouchable. If an enlightened individual gets that kick too, and invests in your creativity....well that really is the ultimate high. And yet the majority of artists who are true to themselves will carry on regardless of sales. You develop a 'thick skin' and continue to battle on with your 'gift'. one day I will post a blog about thick skin syndrome - I promise it will be shorter than this one!

I thought I would leave you with my picture of the week:

This is the seriously gifted artist Norrie Harman.
Norrie graduated from ECA in 2001, and won a number of prestigious awards whilst still a student - a remarkable achievement. I am really pleased that his work, which has not been seen in his home town of Edinburgh for many years has been so well received. In this informal, relaxed photo, I feel that a lot of that worry and self doubt is captured perfectly. To be fair, Norrie Harman is most likely exhausted in this picture, having worked to the wire to get the work done, arrange the framing , travel from Leeds to Edinburgh to deliver it and attend a busy, busy opening. It's only at the time of this photo that he finally gets the chance to reflect on all his hard work. it was definitely worth it.

Leaving you with my other picture of the week:

From left to right: artists Norrie Harman, Sophie McKay Knight, Joyce Gunn Cairns MBE and David Hosie all looking genuinely happy and comfortable at the opening of their exhibition Head to Head at UG until August 1st. Beautiful!

Hotter Than July!

2011-07-04T09:59:00.000-07:00

Get ready for this.....

See you this Thursday 6-8pm for refreshments and some serious art!

Various Visitors

2011-07-02T05:38:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone

Just thought we'd share with you some snaps of some of the lovely artists who have been in to UG in the last week.
We should kick off with this:

This is Joyce Gunn Cairns MBE. We are starting with Joyce because her work is going to make a serious splash next week in our new exhibition 'Head to Head' which opens on Thursday. Joyce's work had been in the gallery for just five minutes and it was already attracting a lot of attention....you must see it!

This is the lovely Henry Kondracki who has been very busy finishing off various commissions for some very happy new owners. Well done, Henry.

The charming 'Adams Family'. This is James Newton Adams and co. enjoying a holiday from their home on the Isle of Skye. We are excited about seeing more work from James in January 2012. We will keep you posted.

Here is the brilliant Stewart Bremner's back. Stewart has been helping out a lot at UG recently (thanks, S!), and here he is installing the camera to make the 'Now We Are Two' opening video. Is no limit to his creative talents?
And this:

Richard Demarco, Alison Auldjo and Stewart Bremner enjoyed an interesting chat in the gallery the other day....
Et Enfin:

Beautiful artist Imogen Alabaster delivering a truly magical painting featuring some frogs at the special request a lovely French couple. They are delighted.

Au revoir, mes amis

Get Rhythm

2011-06-21T02:40:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone

Sadly the soggy Scottish summer time is letting us down. However, it's nice and dry and bright and colourful in Union Gallery. It's also free and inspiring to visit, so feel free to drop by anytime.

I promised to shed more light on multi-award winning artist Colin Brown, so here goes:

I first viewed Colin's work in December last year at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow. Not every artist can claim to have had their work shown in such a prestigious setting! The exhibition was titled "The River Runs Through It" and was the brain child and curated by artist Charles Jamieson MFA, PAI, PPAI and journalist and art lover Jan Patience, and I was very keen to see it as the ethos and spirit of the show and artists involved captured my imagination. The aim of "The River Runs Through It" was to generate interest and funding for the Riverside Museum Appeal. I felt it was also a celebration of heritage and culture and an exhibition not just of beauty, but of historical importance. The new transport museum, designed by architect Zaha Hadid, opens today (the longest day) and I will certainly be going for a look at some point.
There were many great artists involved including Ruth A Nicol, Adrian Wiszniewski, Annette Edgar, and of course Colin Brown.
I have to admit that Colin's work hit me right between the eyes. I had never seen anything like it before - or since.
Here is an example:

"Salon", acrylic and collage on wood panel by Colin Brown.

What hit me most was the outpouring of information. This information overload both excited and captivated me and I thought it very in tune with our modern day living. Yet at the same time, Colin Brown has been developing his wholly unique/distinctive/original style since the 1980's. After the initial excitement and experience of viewing Colin's work, there is no escaping how brilliantly engineered and constructed they are. The 'information overload' all makes perfect sense, the layers of thought are painstakingly cohesive and it's obvious that Colin, who begins making these paintings by experimenting with ideas, leaves nothing to chance once he is in the groove. To me, I liken Colin's work to composing a brilliant piece of music...there is rhythm, colour and texture and, like any outstanding composition, it will remain a classic:

"Gabriel", acrylic and collage on wood panel by Colin Brown.

You can experience Colin Brown's work in Union Gallery's "Now We Are Two" exhibition alongside Stewart Bremner, Trevor Jones, Olivia Irvine and Jenny Matthews.

Speak soon

The State of The Union

2011-06-17T03:34:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

It's not by chance that I titled this blog as such.

As the Chinese curse says, 'may you live in interesting times', and we most certainly are. What a shame there's so many people out there scared about their and their children's futures, coupled with Mr Salmond's determination to march on and split us all up....we most definitely are living in interesting times.
At UG we just experienced our second anniversary and I've been a bit selfish and spent a whole afternoon reflecting on all that has happened. I'm no politician, I'm merely an artist. However, I do believe amazing things have happened in our 'happy space' in the face of diversity.
Establishing any business is a frightening prospect at the best of times. To do so in the economic doldrums is even tougher and involves many sleepless nights, but I revert back to my original message and genuine belief that, even in challenging times, good things can happen. This is something I largely attribute to the artists and gallery visitors....forward thinking, resourceful and enlightened individuals are very much the people to pull through in a crisis.
People pulling together, showing mutual respect and genuine support for each other in difficult times has proved to be a winner in this particular situation. In nature's terms...safety in numbers helps and it's easier to face the big bad world when you're not alone.
Briefly, when thinking of a name for our gallery, we struggled. It had to be definitive and something that could not be changed overnight. I found it interesting that there's Union Gallery's all over the world: Student Unions, Union this and that, the list is endless. However, here in Edinburgh, there's never been a Union Gallery until now, and ours is a true union of gallery, artists and visitors.
Hand on my heart, I believe that we are simply warming up. Union Gallery and the artists have so much more to offer. So far this year we have been enthralled and amazed by artists Audrey Grant, Barbara Franc and Janet Melrose. Who can forget this fella:

"Man Standing with Yellow Background", oil on canvas by Audrey Grant.

As we hit the hopefully not so terrible two's, we welcome award winning artist Colin Brown who's work excites and intrigues all who see it.
Next month sees four very bold and individual artists unite for the first time within the four walls, and I promise you it's going to be spectacular.
Here's a little taster:

The latest beauty from artist David Hosie.
I am especially pleased that we see the return of award winning artist Norrie Harman's work to Edinburgh. He is ready, his work is ready and I know you're ready!

Fear not, if you think things couldn't get better then you need to witness this:

"Love Letter", oil on canvas by the incredible Philip Braham.

Philip Braham's solo exhibition, "Still." will be showcased during the Edinburgh Festival. Definitely one not to miss.
All in all, I'm overjoyed and enthusiastic about the state of the Union.

Speak soon....

Now We Are Two

2011-06-12T05:50:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone

On Thursday, we held the private preview of our new exhibition Now We Are Two. As you can see from the video below, much fun was had by all who came to help us celebrate the second anniversary of Union Gallery:
Union Gallery: Now We Are Two from stewart bremner on Vimeo.

There are some stunning works of art in the gallery this month, including paintings by Jenny Matthews, Drummond Mayo, Douglas Sedden, Henry Kondracki and Stewart Bremner. Also, for the first time, we are exhibiting work by award-winning collage artist Colin Brown:

'Salon' by Colin Brown.
More on Colin later, but in the meantime we hope you can make it into the gallery during this exhibition.

Closing on a Happy Note

2011-06-03T05:33:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone

I hope you are all enjoying the warmer weather :)

Artist Janet Melrose's first solo exhibition, "A Still Life", is approaching it's final weekend and it has been a huge success and so a big thank you to all who have come to view it.
I thought we would end it with a bit of fun:

"I Saw This Early Morning", acrylic on canvas by Janet Melrose.
Bizarrely.........

The above is what I saw the other morning. Strange but true.

"Bought Flowers Today", acrylic on canvas by Janet Melrose.

I picked some flowers. A small homage to Janet Melrose.
Speaking of flowers:

This cheerful ensemble arrived today from my good friend Hazel Brown.
Hazel has recently established her own cleaning company and has dramatically improved my living conditions!
Check it out here:www.facebook.com/turbocleanltd

If you are around next week and fancy a party:

Let the joy keep flowing.

Have a great weekend all.

Various Visitors

2011-06-01T02:05:00.000-07:00

Hello eveyone

I've been raking through some photos stored on my blueberry so thought I would show you some of the lovely people who have been through UG's door.
As it's the final week of Janet Melrose's solo exhibition it seems fitting that we start with the lady herself:

Janet popped in to over see some of the dot action: seen here not in those 'famous' dungarees. There's still time to come in and see what everyone is talking about. Thank you, Janet, for a truly magnificent show and for all your hard work.
We also recently enjoyed the company of arts writer and journalist Jan Patience who wrote the a very fine foreword to Janet's catalogue. Unfortunately I reverted to my 'old style' photography and managed to chop off part of her head (apologies Jan), so no photo here!
You can however, see what Jan looks like here:

www.janpatienceblogspot.com

Speaking of chopping off heads....

This is award winning artist Joyce Gunn Cairns MBE in her, at the time, tranquil studio. Joyce's studio is more frantic now as she finalises her exceptional work for our 'Head to Head' exhibition in July. I've been lucky enough to have been given a preview of the heads in question and am looking forward to seeing them on the walls.
Next up:

I also recently enjoyed the unexpected company of artists Stewart Bremner and Trevor Jones. Now Stewart looks rather apprehensive in this photo as he was about to over come his fear of flying to go to the States to participate in a collaborative exhibition with abstract artist Megan Chapman. Stewart Bremner has been incrediby busy of late and I look forward to his safe return and welcoming him, Megan, and his new work next week.

Dashing Mr Jones attempts to disguise himsef as a wine bottle. Discussions are in place over a ground breaking abstract exhibition to be held next year.
Last, but by no means least:

Ladies and gentlemen.....introducing the phenominal artist Norrie Harman.
Norrie Harman trained at ECA and is now based in Leeds, however I am extremely pleased to report that we will be lucky enough to see his work return to Edinburgh in July. If you look closely you can see a very cool tattoo of a greyhound on his wrist. Of course, he is a very cool individual himself.

I'm looking forward to receiving more various visitors over the coming weeks.

Impact

2011-05-27T06:45:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

A warm welcome to our latest followers. It's nice to have you with us.

I noticed this lovely message left in award-winning artist Janet Melrose's visitors book:

"I don't know if I've ever looked at a painting in a magazine or online and felt the same impact as when seeing it face to face".

The comment is spot on of course, and I believe goes someway to reinforce the importance of galleries as public spaces....for all to experience, share and enjoy.
I have likened Janet's exhibition to a 'stage set' in that it is perfect, intriguing and transports you to another world. The overriding opinion at Union Gallery is that it's to a better world.
Here are some tasters:

and...

I simply can't get enough.

Leaving you with some more impact:

"Antonine Hill", oil on canvas by Philip Braham.
Philip Braham is another award-winning artist who has shown all over the world. Philip's solo exhibition, "Still". will open during the Edinburgh Festival in August. Please contact Union Gallery for more details and to ensure an invitation to see something with serious impact.

Speak soon

Delicate Things

2011-05-19T03:10:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

I would like to draw your attention to a very special number in Janet Melrose's solo exhibition, "A Still Life". Firstly though, by way of introduction, I wanted to show you this:

Oddly enough, this time last year I was out walking Union Gallery hound Harry, and came across this perfect little birds nest. And, like last year, I will stress that I didn't hijack it from a tree, I simply came across it on the path. I couldn't resist the urge to pick it up and inspect the fine craftsmanship. I also said in that blog that I immediately thought of artists Janet Melrose and Jenny Matthews, believing that they would also appreciate this perfect piece of nature.
And so, one year on, we have another work of perfection:

"Delicate Things", acrylic on canvas by Janet Melrose.
Artist Janet Melrose has, in the past, made comment about her 'generic' birds. Yes, it's true to say her birds are often stylised, but this is not to be confused with being frivolous or cartoon-like. Janet's seemingly effortless birds are captured in the moment, skillfully recording their very essence. To me, the bird featured in "Delicate Things" is anything but generic. Her beady eye is alert and watches anxiously, staring right at you whilst she sits protectively over the fragile fruits of her labour.
I have a feeling that who ever secures this treasure will also have an eye for all things delicate and special.

Leaving you with a couple more delicate and special things:

No. We did not prepare them earlier! These tiny visitors are the gorgeous twin girls of our good friends Sam and Nina Gough.
Little Cassia is on the left and Poppy is on the right.....we think!

Speak soon x

Look Closer

2011-05-14T06:25:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

Firstly, a huge thank you to all who have been in to view award winning artist Janet Melrose's solo exhibition, "A Still Life". And thank you to those who have been in many times now as "it makes me feel good". I completely understand this and my old habits of sneaking in early and leaving a wee bit later have returned ten-fold.
A closer look at this:

"Look Closer", acrylic on canvas by Janet Melrose.
Janet Melrose's exhibition was always going to be special and was the perfect celebration for the month of May. Ok, we seem to be experiencing 'April Showers' this month, but the long, dark cold nights of the incredible winter of 2010 are far behind us. It's time for people to feel better and Janet's work offers calm and inspiration to all who see it. I find it intoxicating and feel Union Gallery currently offers sanctuary.
For me, the above painting goes someway to explain the beauty and sensitivity in Janet Melrose's work. I think it's fair to say that we are living in challenging times, in reality brutal times, Yet I look at this enchanting painting (even the title is perfect), and I am encouraged. If you are daring enough to take 10 minutes out of your gruelling schedule, or have the need to get out out of the office at lunch, then go for a walk. I do this as often as I can to get some thinking space and calm time. To see the birds, bees and blossoms reminds you that there are still perfect and beautiful things in the world. Janet Melrose's exhibition really does encourage you to 'look closer' and focus on the things we often take for granted.
Janet herself described the process of making the work for this exhibition as 'carthartic'. I can feel this completely and for those who see it, there is a similar sensation. Here's a comment from Janet's visitor's book: "May 11th 2011. Crap day. Came into the gallery again to clear my head. The paintings are a breath of fresh air, clearing my brain, filling it with an empty space of beauty, now can go out and handle the crap without it getting me down".

"New Beginning", acrylic on canvas by Janet Melrose.

Have a lovely weekend.

Janet Melrose: 'A Still Life'

2011-05-10T04:23:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone

It may be true that a picture paints a thousand words, but for Janet Melrose's first solo exhibition in Edinburgh, just the right words exist:
http://bit.ly/m6RWIR
Written by Jan Patience, art writer and blogger extraordinaire (http://janpatience.blogspot.com)

Great writing, I am sure you will agree.

Tweet soon...

Waiting for the Tulips

2011-05-03T06:58:00.000-07:00

Watching...

Waiting.....

The wait is over:

"Waiting on the Tulips", acrylic on canvas by Janet Melrose.

"A Still Life" opens Thursday 6-8pm. Intoxicating!

Horses for Courses

2011-04-28T06:10:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone

I thought we could do a spot of horsing around today and take a closer look at sculptor Barbara Franc's magnificent horses in her first ever Scottish solo exhibition, "Diversity".

"Ride on a Fine Horse", steel wire, copper wire, tin and brass by Barbara Franc.
Barbara used to keep horses and even trained to be a riding instructor, so has always been fascinated by their power and physique. Barbara explains "the debt owed to them by humanity as the early fast vehicle of trade and conquest has always been a subject for artists since the dawn of time".

"Time Flies", steel wire & recycled material by Barbara Franc.
I wholly admire sculptors. Like many other painters, I find trying to create an accomplished image on 2D really hard...it's so difficult and taxing on the brain! However, to create something in 3D, so that it appears anatomically perfect, tactile and pleasing to the eye from all angles...that's mind blowing.
Here's another fine horse:

This is award artist Janet Melrose's horse toughing it out against the harsh winter of 2010/11.
As you can see he was well cared for with his blanket, and given plenty of scoff to keep him fit.
Nature is an incredible thing. It's hard to believe that under all that snow and frozen ice it was still working hard, working it's magic, and 3 months later provides us with joy like this:

We all welcome and enjoy the sights of the awesome blossoms, here we see it perfectly celebrated in:

"Birds on the Damson", acrylic on canvas by Janet Melrose.

Award winning artist Janet Melrose's first Edinburgh solo exhibition, "A Still Life", opens Thursday May 5th. GET VOTING AND GET VIEWING PEOPLE!

Speak soon x

Bird Song

2011-04-22T08:43:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone

I wanted to show you a very special guest in award winning sculptor Barbara Franc's solo exhibition, "Diversity".

This sweet little chap is called Edgar.
Edgar came to stay with Barbara Franc just before Christmas last year and proved to be quite an inspiration.
Barbara explains to me that crows in particular are very intelligent birds, and that it is not uncommon for them to turn to humans when in need. Sadly Edgar died peacefully of old age, but he was given a loving home in his dotage and Barbara naturally got very attached to him.

You can see why! What beautiful and trusting eyes. Birds are very intelligent and you can tell from this photo that Edgar felt safe and comfortable in his new surroundings.
Here he is lovingly immortalised:

"Black Crow", steel wire & recycled materials by Barbara Franc.

I already knew the touching story of Edgar and had seen the photos of this magnificent bird with the searching eyes. So I confess that when I unwrapped the above sculpture and saw his eyes staring back at me, it pulled the heart strings. Barbara Franc has captured Edgar's personality with great care: In the eyes alone she has given him soul and created a fitting tribute.
Thankfully, "Black Crow" now also has a loving home: as I've said before, I love happy endings :)

Previously I have posted blogs on artists and their studio cats and dogs. I think about the special bonds between humans and their faithful companions quite a lot. Personally, I'm an animal lover and if I'm painfully honest, sometimes I prefer the company of my pets to humans.
So, I will leave you with another touching story:

This is little Chirpie in the studio of award winning artist Janet Melrose. Janet's solo exhibition, "A Still Life" opens next month and promises to be an exhibition of real beauty and sensitivity. This photo was taken way back in the summer of 2009 and was an enlightening introduction to Janet Melrose and her work. Janet rescued little Chirpie as she was being relentlessly picked on by the rest of her flock. Being a baby and without Janet's careful observation and swift intervention, Chirpie would surely not have survived. However, lucky Chripie is now thriving and much like the story of Barbara Franc and Edgar, it reveals wonderful acts of kindness and character-a genuine love and respect for nature.

Wishing you all a lovely Easter....if you're passing by I can introduce you to Edgar personally!

The Incredible Journey

2011-04-18T07:51:00.000-07:00

Hello All

Some of you may know that I popped down to London last weekend to collect the entire body of work for Barbara Franc's solo exhibition, 'Diversity'. It was a pretty uneventful trip, apart from a spell of paranoia that every vehicle that came close to me was going to crash into the van and destroy all the beautiful sculpture in the back. Needless to say, I managed to avoid that potential calamity. It was certainly worth the trip, as I get to spend some time with this amazing work, and was able to make sure it arrived safely for everyone to see. I also finally got to meet Barbara after all this time (we've been showing her work for over a year now).

I did stop for a break, however, at Carlisle Service Station, and I felt the need to release a few of the beasts for some fresh air:

'Time Flies' and 'Ride on a Fine Horse', grazing.
The presence of such fine beast in the dreary of the service station had a lovely calming and cheering effect on those who saw them, just as they do on everyone who comes into the gallery at the moment.

'Reynard' checking out the bins. And:

'Mischievous Magpie' trying to pinch someones burger (not mine!).

Eventually, once we had all had our break, we were on our way again and the result is:

A gallery full of truly outstanding sculpture that should not be missed. I cannot recommend strongly enough that you all come in to see this wonderful exhibition...full of fun and tremendous skill. Barbara Franc has been working on this, her first solo exhibition in Scotland, for over a year, and I guarantee that you will leave the gallery with a big grin and an invigorated spirit.

See you soon....

Something Magical

2011-04-13T03:51:00.000-07:00

"I begin with an idea and then it becomes something else". Pablo Picasso.

Barbara Franc solo exhibition, 'Diversity', coming soon..........

Foxy Ladies!

2011-04-09T05:49:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone

I hope you have all been out and about and enjoying the better weather!

This is a special blog as we have 2 very special exhibitions coming up at Union Gallery. April the 11th sees the arrival of award winning sculptor Barbara Franc's new work for her first Scottish solo exhibition, "Diversity". 30 new pieces of work, varying in scale and subject; all perfectly crafted; all simply brilliant. "Diversity" opens on Thursday, April 14th.
Introducing......

"Reynard" by Barbara Franc. Wire netting, steel wire and red oxide.
This stunning chap will be making a trip with all his other companions in a van all the way from London. By the time he reaches Edinburgh, he will be one well travelled fox. I can't wait to meet him!

"Reynard". Profile.
There is much to admire in Barbara's work. I am always amazed by her care and attention to detail. There's as much love and commitment in the small scale works as there is in the larger sculptures. We are always being force-fed the importance of recycling, so I'm sure you will agree, that this is an inspired and ingenious form of recycling.
Barbara was rather modest about making her debut on the blog. However, Newton, her studio cat was more than happy to represent her:

I often think that foxes get an awful lot of bad press. Considered as vermin and a pest to many, I personally believe and I think both artists Barbara Franc and Janet Melrose (who's solo exhibition will be in May) would agree with me, that there is much to admire in them. Of course they are 'cunning', but they are so much more than that. I think they are beautiful and mysterious, inquisitive and intelligent animals. As the modern day world relentlessly encroaches on their natural habitats, they have adapted like the true survivors they are, and I find them welcome visitors to our cities. They are, after all, merely scraping by and surely deserve their place in natures grand plan.
So here is award winning artist Janet Melrose:

Sporting those 'famous' dungarees, I admire Janet's no nonsense and unglamorous approach to her vocation. I'm sure many artists will recognise this 'there's work to be done' attitude. Forget image, the work comes first.

"Spot the Fox", acrylic on canvas.
This painting was given a home in a heart beat. However there will be other foxes appearing in Janet Melrose's solo exhibition "A Still Life", as the fox motif is a recurring theme in her work.
"A Still Life" opens on May 5th, and I canny wait!

Have a great weekend all x

Windswept and Interesting

2011-04-05T07:00:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone

I trust that you were all good to your mummies on Sunday!
I was. Indeed my ma's special present looked the business wrapped up in Jenny Matthews wrapping paper:

So we are into the final week of 'Making Waves' and, being partial to a bit of sea painting myself, this exhibition really 'floats my boat' as they say. I wanted to highlight a few of the treasures on display. Lets start with this:

'White Water', acrylic on board, by Hazel Cashmore.
I would have liked to have spent more time admiring all that is great about 'White Water', but the pround new owner couldn't wait to get it home. When I looked at this beauty, I could almost hear the crash of the waves and the fizz of the foam on rocks. I loved how the sea was spilling out of the paining. Enegmatic and energetic, as are all of Hazel Cashmore's paintings.

'Sandwood, Summer', mixed media, by Beth Robertson Fiddes.
This is an impressive and brilliantly executed painting by Beth Robertson Fiddes. Legendary Sandwood Bay, with all its mysticism and breathtaking scenery has been captured perfectly by Beth. There's some very clever collage work going on here and if you view the painting from a certain angle, it's almost a 3D painting! Come in, and I will position you.

'Five Boats', mixed media, by Nikki Monaghan.
The relaxing pleasure of observing boats gently bobbing in a harbour, brilliantly observed by Nikki Monaghan.

'Cellardykes', oil on cotton board, by Ian Rwnsley.
Fife boasts some beautiful coastline, and Cellardykes is a well known attraction. The village is known locally as 'Sillerdyke' - a reference to the sun glistening on fishscales on the nets as they dry on the harbour walls.
And:

'Stonehaven', oil on cotton board, by Ian Rawnsley.
A favourite of mine, there is such softness and subtlety in this painting.
Lets end with a:

'Splash', gouache, by Dorothy Bruce.
Great title, great painting. Dorothy lives on the Isle of Cumbrae, and in this painting there are actual grains of sane from the beaches there. You may not be able to see that in the image above, so I highly recommend that you pop in abd appreciate it at first hand.

Speak soon.

A Dog's Life

2011-04-01T07:08:00.000-07:00

Hello eveyone

I recently posted a blog as a nod to all the studio cats out there - past and present.
As promised, now it's time for the hounds. They say that dogs age 7 years in comparison to us humans, so for the purposes of this blog, I've tried to narrow it down to 7 lucky pooches. I apologise in advance to any 4 legged friends I have not included....I may have let an extra one or two slip in.
As with the pussy blog, I will start with my own:

Spring Hippo! Many of you will already be familiar with Tommy ('Tickles') the boxer. He's a loving and loyal companion who is aprroaching his twilight years. Everyday with Tommy is a blessing now. He's getting a bit older and has a touch of arthritis, so he needs some extra TLC. At Union Gallery we are eagerly awaiting the arrival of a bespoke knitted jumper c/o artist Hannah Haworth. Thanks Hannah!
Tommy is from Boxer Welfare Scotland. If you want to give a squishy face a new home then take a look:

http://www.boxerwelfarescotland.co.uk/

Hmm. This is Harry the insane Dalmation. Harry is also 'recycled'. Indeed, we are Harry's 4th owners at the tender age of 3. Although it's been hard work and realistically Harry is not allowed a single spot inside my studio, I love him dearly for his madness. Remember the golden rule; "a dog is for life not just for Christmas". All that's spotty is not all fairytales and 102 Dalmations!
All the way from NYC:

This is Cocoa, studio companion and (sometimes) model to artist, sculptor and knitting genius Hannah Haworth. Here she is modeling that coveted jumper. Cocoa is also a rescue dog and I think she has landed on her paws being taken in by someone like Hannah.
Introducing:

Lovely Leda, compadre of deadly talented artist Dylan Lisle. I had the honour of having my face licked off by Leda just the other night whilst discussing Dylan's next exhibition in 2012. HINT....it's going to be incredible!
Next up:

The back ends of Pip & Oscar! These 2 beautiful pointers are a continuing source of inspiration (and exasperation) to award winning artist Janet Melrose. This photo was taken on a recent studion visit in preperation for Janet's solo exhibition "A Still Life", in May. HINT....it's also going to be stunning and some wise early birds are already pecking around.
Nearly ending on this fella:

This is Rufus, sporting his winter coat. Another model, companion and inpiration to award winning sculptor Barabara Franc. HINT....Barbara Franc's first solo exhibition in Scotland, "Diversity", opens on Thursday 14th April, interest is high and I can guarantee that you won't see another exhibition like this. A huge thanks in advance to Barbara for all her hard work.

Ending with this fella:

This is Humphrey. I have a soft spot for 'Humfs' as I affectionatley call him.....and his master. He is constant studio companion to figurative artist Frank McNab, who I visited recently to have a look at his compelling work. You can take a closer look at Frank's work here:

http://frankmcnab.com/index

Incidentally, if you don't come in and see the excellent work in the current exhibition "Making Waves" then you'd be barking mad!

Signing off......Cruella De Vil.....

Sea of Souls

2011-03-26T05:31:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone

And a warm welcome to our latest follower. Nice to have you with us.
It's also nice to break the 80 following barrier. Hip hip hurrah!

So I promised to show you some footage from the "Making Waves" opening. I am ashamed to report that I failed miserably. I am not ashamed to admit that it was because I was having too nice a time, chatting with the artists and visitors to the gallery, and generally enjoying the work on the walls....an absolute perk of the job, and by jingo the work is good!
I did however manage this wee snap:

I wanted to capture the gentle ambiance of multi media artist, Marcela Trova's installation, "Sea of Souls". A captivating and enchanting piece of work that is both relaxing and thought provoking to be around. I would urge you to come and spend some time with it and the breathtaking paintings on display while you still can.
This is Czech artist Mracela Trsova installing "Sea of Souls":

I have to praise Marcela. She spent a whole day up on UG's wobbly ladders (I remained calm!), installing the work. It was a painstaking process with no way to hurry it up. Getting the work to flow right depended on the placement of each fish in relation to the others. Every time one was adjusted Marcela had to be patient until it stopped moving. Much like Hannah Haworth's installation "The Hunt" which we exhibited at Christmas, "Sea of Souls" is another labour of love. There are 13 individual fish here and it took Marcela an average of 3 days to perfect each one. Many a cut finger too!
Have a shifty over this to learn more about the work:

http://www.uniongallery.co.uk/index.php/Artists/Artist/marcela_trsova/

I did manage one other photo from the opening:

It's a photo of seascape expert Hazel Cashmore's rather fabulous shoe.
Hazel does of course have 2 feet....for some reason I only thought to photo one.
I would quite like a pair of these shoes for myself!
Leaving you with this:

Ladies and gentlemen....introducing the one and only Ullysses!
I am enjoying having Jon Dawkins and Anne Rhodes staying with us in our now tidy house. (YES it's TRUE...the house is actually clean!) Largely thanks to the best cleaning co in town:
turboclean@live.co.uk
Jon was most taken by the previous pussy blog and kindly showed me this excellent photo.
I think it's fair to say Ullysses is quite simply Top Cat.

Have a great weekend x

A Tale of 9 Lives

2011-03-21T06:38:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone

A big welcome to Douglas Fraser. Thanks for joining us!

This is a happy blog entry to kick start another pawsome week.

I recently made a studio visit to award winning artist Joyce Gunn Cairns MBE's studio to fully appreciate her exquisite work. Joyce will be showing with us in July and I will be sure to let you know all about it in good time. I was very excited by Joyce's work, and was even lucky enough to get a sneaky peek through her drawers. It's not everyday you get to say that!
I was really taken by a small drawing of her dearly departed cat, Seamus, on the studio wall. Sadly I didn't have the presence of mind to take a photo of it at the time, but it struck me because it was very similar to a drawing I did of my own kitty, Pluto, in my art student days:

I sold the original drawing at my degree show so this is a photo of a scan, behind glass, so the image is a bit dodgy. It was much better in real life..... I promise!
Anyway, it got me thinking about how many artists I know that are animal lovers. I wonder if it is that we are quite sensitive souls by nature, and that we enjoy the gentle but fullfilling company of our loyal and unconditional loving friends?
So this blog is for all those studio cats....we can't get enough of you!

HOLD THE PRESS!:

We now have Seamus! Isn't he beautiful?

Back to my own pussy:

So here is Pluto who I acquired in my 3rd year at ECA. Being a mug I actually got 2 from the litter, but sadly Holly left this world a long time ago. At the grand old age of 14 Pluto's still up to his old tricks and annoying me by blocking the TV.
Many of you will be familiar with Scottish treasure Elizabeth Blackadder and her cats:

Simply gorgeous.

Northern kitties:

Terrible twosome Lola, left, and Millie, recent studio companions to award winning artist Fiona Jappy who sadly lost her former companion earlier this year. They look like real mischievous moggies!
A regal feline:

This is Rosie, an Egyptian meow.....sorry, Mau! Rosie is studio accomplise to flower painter extrodinaire Jenny Matthews. Here she is getting in on the action:

Now that's a beautiful drawing.
Award winning artist and coincidently, former student of Elizabeth Blackadder, Jenny Matthews will be showing again next year in a duet with fellow contemporary, Janet Melrose. Janet Melrose's stunning solo exhibition will be in May this year. Again, I will let you know all about it.
Next:

This is Pearl, the bonnie British Blue. Pearl lives with Andy Green and Karen-Claire Voss who have a most excellent printing company which you can read more about here:

http://www.pearlprints.co.uk/index-about.html

I really like this little pussy:

This cute little menace is Newton. Ever enthusiastic, but perhaps a bit distracting to outstanding sculptor Barbara Franc. Interestingly, Barbara trained under another Scottish treasure John Bellany, yet progressed into 3D work. Iam VERY excited that Barbara will be having a solo exhibition with us next month. You MUST see it.
Leaving you with this:

"Ginger Cat" oil on canvas by Henry Kondracki.
Ok, so Henry doesn't have a studio cat however, he quite likes moggies and this tiny painting is of his neighbours cat 'Ron' - so named after Ronald Weasley of Harry Potter fame.
I'm a massive fan of Henry Kondracki's work and in my humble opinion he is another Scottish treasure.
Purrrrfect.

So that's a nod to the felines DONE. Next time a pat on the back to the studio hounds.

Speak soon

Happy Days

2011-03-16T06:52:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone

I am busy hanging the next exhibition, "Making Waves". It's looking rather splendid and I feel energised and refreshed by the work on the walls. It makes me want to get out and about and head for the coast, to see some of our beautiful landscape. Which, is looking better all the time:

Come and join us tomorrow night:

I will show you some snaps from the preview. Until then, I leave you with this:

A big thank you to Daisy-May for this cheerful little painting! Daisy-May is the granddaughter of Hazel Cashmore whose exquisite sea paintings are 'floating my boat' as it were.

Speak soon x

The Sleeping Man

2011-03-12T06:34:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone

Hoping you are all OK and having a super weekend.
I'm going to end the 'Being Human' exhibition with a nod to this anonymous, yet peaceful chap:

"Man Asleep" Pen on Paper Study by Martyn McKenzie.
I really like this drawing and in particular the sleeping fella.
He appears to be completely out of it, blissfully fast asleep
and oblivious to his surroundings. He is cosy and content....not
a bad place to be considering this chap will spend an eternity in
this position. Well observed Martyn.
I noticed this little comment in Martyn's visitors book:
'Martyn, you work is special, you are special!'
I couldn't agree more.

If you want to meet The Mustard Man, Sleeping Man and the other figures in 'Being Human' then
you will have to be pronto. Exhibition finishes Monday!

Speak soon

The Mustard Man

2011-03-10T04:34:00.000-08:00

The current exhibition, 'Being Human', is now in its final week and, as usual when an exhibition draws to a close, I am experiencing higher than normal levels of anxiety. I haven't had it this bad since Derek McGuire's solo exhibition, 'Ella Novo Loco'. Such is the intensity of the work on display that I know I am going to feel quite flat when it is gone.
I thought it would be nice to take a closer look at, and celebrate all that is good and great about, a few of the paintings on display.

We have to start here:

'Man Standing with Yellow Background', oil on canvas, Audrey Grant, 2010
Gosh. I confess that I struggle to find the words to explain the emotional connection that I, and many others, have made with this painting. To put it plainly, something about this painting 'got me' as soon as I saw it, and it has conitinued to have an effect on me ever since. Perhaps the strength of this painting is largely summed up by a note left by an admirer in Audrey Grant's vistors book:
'Audrey, you restore one's faith in painting'.
I can't help but feel a great deal of affection for, and fascination with, 'Mustard Man' as I have knicknamed him, and I feel that a large part of that is fueled by some of the subtle details that make him so connected to the subject of 'Being Human'.

This perfect little finger is one of them.....

I have mentioned before that Audrey is a 'physical' painter: she fights with her materials to achieve her distinctive and powerful images. Yet, in that intense and prolonged battle (Audrey's paintings are months in the making), you catch glimpses of real tenderness and a deeply humane attention to detail:

'Mustard Man' may well be a little lost, fragile, even 'up against it' in the world he inhabits, but looking at his perfectly and lovingly painted ear set against a yellow glow, it's clear that his maker was determined to send him out looking his best. He will stand the test of time.

Finally, a big thank you to the kind soul who left us this beautiful orchid:

He explained that he wanted to give it to the gallery as he felt that we and our visitors would genuinely appreciate its beauty. We most certainly do! I have positioned it next to:

'Standing Figure', oil on canvas, Audrey Grant 2010.
Affectionately known as 'Socks', I thought that the flower complimented his colouring rather well.

Hurry back soon to discover some more about ECA student, Martyn McKenzie's work. As someone has written in his visitors book:
'Your work is very special - you are very special!'
Couldn't agree more.....

Speak soon.

Framed

2011-03-03T06:44:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone

I thought it might be nice to show you some behind the scenes pictures of preparations in the lead up to the 'Being Human' exhibition. Before that, I would encourage those of you who haven't made it in yet to do so -and a HUGE thank you to the visitors who have. I really love this exhibition and I think it's important to value and and encourage the promising talent that is Martyn Mckenzie. Equally you need to experience and contemplate the fragile perfection that is Audrey Grant's work. I'm not sure how long it will be before you can appreciate her work again in this context.
This is Audrey:

All smiles. Having worked intensively for a year to create these beautiful paintings it was essential to get the framing just right. This is Audrey with Jamie from Leith Frame Studio, who's input and advise has been invaluable. The quality of craftsmanship, and attention to detail, from these folks has done Audrey Grant's work justice and ensured this part of the process ran extra smoothly. Thank you:http://www.leithframing.com/

Leith Frame Studio's pooch 'Bailey' takes it all in his stride.

Again, the presentation of Martyn Mckenzie's work was also critical. Many of his large scale works simply sit right at home in their own skins. However, we thought it was important to include some of his drawings and etchings that demonstrate his thorough research and understanding of the subject matter:

Decisions, decisions! Framing is often an art in itself and getting the balance right can take a bit of thought. This is especially so when it comes to delicate lines and mark making such as:

"Moving Stairs" etching 2010 by Martyn McKenzie.
It's important that the frame enhances rather then encroaches on more delicate works. The less is more rule often applies in these instances.
Leaving you with this:

In keeping with the 'Being Human' theme and continuing with a nod to the unsung and inspirational, this is Betty & John. I see them a lot around these parts, and every time I do they go some way to restore my faith in humanity and the importance of partnerships. Betty & John have been together for an astonishing 51 years and every time I see them they are smiling, holding hands and thriving on each others company. I hope to be this content in my later years.

Speak soon

The Rat Race: Being Human, Martyn McKenzie

2011-02-27T06:41:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone

So last time we looked at the captivating work of award winning artist Audrey Grant.

Now it's time for the other half of this very 'on trend' exhibition, third year Edinburgh College of Art student Martyn McKenzie:

Martyn McKenzie beside "Marmaris Park Bar" during the installation of 'Being Human'

Boy, where to begin!
Firstly, I think you have to applaud this young man's talent, spirit and conviction. To take on the role of voyeur and translate feelings and scenes we have all experienecd through such young eyes is no mean feat:

"I often find people strange: their actions, the way they infest man-made environments, clustered together in buildings or moving fast across roads or railways lines...We have created such a surreal world: a world to entertain ourselves and to consume".

Well said Martyn. I'm pretty sure I am not alone in agreeing with you that I too find the world a very strange, even scary place (particulary just now) and like many others ask the common question, "what's it all about"?

"Moving Stairs" 2010, oil on board by Martyn McKenzie.

How often do you want to scream out when life becomes increasingly pressurised and the expectations of us as humans becomes too much? Unless you're very lucky we've all been there.
I recently found out that Martyn is the third year students painitng rep at ECA: good choice folks. Martyn is a 'do'er', who gets on with the job and delivers results.

Martyn MacKenzie's talent doesn't just stop with paintings like:

"Ice Cream Break" 2010, oil on board. This painting shows an interest in music and live gigs. A little further probing and it turns out that Martyn is a fine musician too. Watch this video - Martyn is not only playing the guitar and singing, he actually wrote this song, "Carousel". At the risk of sounding a bit Cheryl Cole...I'm proud of you Martyn! Enjoy.

http://vimeo.com/19725058

Being Human: Audrey Grant

2011-02-22T07:33:00.000-08:00

Sadly my blueberry had a melt down at the New Year.

So tragically I have lost precious footage of the development of award winning artist Audrey Grant's body of work. It was fascinating and compelling to see the work unfold.
One has to admire Audrey's total commitment and determination. She battled through an horrific winter everyday to her not exactly warm studio. Any artist will tell you that this can sometimes be a thankless and solitary experience. Some days you go in, put in hours of draining, mental (and physical) work and are left feeling utterly demoralised. As Audrey's paintings take months to develop, she has been working on this exhibition for a year. She is a 'physical' painter, who fights and nurtures her paintings every step of the way, and that can be an exhausting experience where often the hand to eye coordination can't keep up with the brain.
I think it's fair to say that you can feel that intensity and perfection from the work. So, looking at Audrey's paintings is also an experience- both moving and enlightening. These are important paintings to spend time with and contemplate and in this increasingly stressful world, I think Audrey's paintings will strike a chord with everyone. After all, we are all mere mortals making our way through the world. When I look at Audrey's work there is a startling familiarity. I recognise and empathise with the fragility, the awkwardness, even the loneliness of the nameless figures captured in paint:

"Man Standing with Yellow Background", oil on canvas. Audrey Grant 2010.
I look at the above painting and actually think, yes, I know that....I've been there.
I am so grateful that there are artists like Audrey Grant who have a gift in translating these raw emotions through canvas and paint.

I would like you to experience these paintings too.

Next time we will be taking a closer look at the work "Being Human"'s other half, ECA student Martyn McKenzie.

In keeping with the 'Being Human' theme I thought it would be nice to introduce a few inspirational and unsung heroes:

This is Tony. Tony had been a BIG ISSUE vendor for 6 years and has a wealth of life-experience stories. Day in, day out, you will find him outside Tesco's at the bottom of Broughton Street. I'm sure a lot if you living in Edinburgh will instantly recognise his 'well kent' face. Tony is always smiling and genuinely enjoys his work: I always find a bit of banter with Tony puts a spring in my step. I also owe him a huge thank you for looking after the Union Gallery hounds when I pop in for the groceries. Particularly Harry, the crazy and rather difficult Dalmatian. Please buy your Big ISSUE from Tony.

Lastly. Masses of best wishes to our dear friends Mr and Mrs Gough who's baby twin girls were born on this day 2011. Congratulations!