Raw Emotion

Hello everyone,

Something special is going on at UG this month, and if you haven't been in to see it, you are missing out.

We first exhibited work by Audrey Grant back in 2011 along with artist Martyn McKenzie in the hugely successful Being Human exhibition.  Since then, we have been waiting for this, her first major solo exhibition, and we have not been disappointed - this is an exhibition of extraordinary quality.
Have a look at this:

'Woman Holding her Right Arm', oil on canvas, by Audrey Grant.

And this:

'Man with Blue Background', oil on canvas, by Audrey Grant.

These are powerful and beautifully created paintings that have a strong impact on the viewer. Some see Audrey Grant’s paintings austere and somewhat sinister, yet there is sensitivity to the work that leaves her audience deeply moved by the viewing experience. This new body of work has been in the making for some 18 months and continues Audrey's exploration of the human figure and the painted surface. Her figures are mainly solitary and isolated, with her interest being in the presence they evoke in an unspecified space.  These figures often appear ill at ease, and this physical and emotional awkwardness forces us into a powerful sense of compassion.  No names, no possessions and generally alone in the world, they can appear as ‘lost souls’ who need our care and attention.  When viewing Audrey Grant’s paintings, there is an uncomfortable feeling that you know who these strange figures are, or can even see yourself reflected in them.  How interesting, then, that she claims that she ‘doesn’t know who they are’ – they are simply the result of her craft as an artist.

Audrey's paintings take months to develop: 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.  The result is fascinating – one can feel that intensity and passion in the work.  

But you shouldn't take my word for all this, you should have a look yourself.  Since the Being Human exhibition, Audrey has won the David Gilchrist Memorial Award at the RGI and, just three weeks ago, the Ann Redpath Award at the VAS exhibition currently on at the RSA here in Edinburgh.  So it is clear that it's not just the opinion of Union Gallery that Audrey Grant is one of the finest painters working in Scotland today, and I know you will agree if you come in before the end of the month.

Speak soon.

The Sleeping Man

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

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

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

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

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!

The Bold & The Beautiful

Hello everyone

So the opening of the "Being Human" exhibition got off to a spanking start!

What a really great night, well attended by artists, buyers and lovely friends and family members of teams Grant and McKenzie. Great things can happen when you all pull together.

This is definitely worth a read:
http://www.broughtonspurtle.org.uk/news/learning-be-human-union-gallery

Here is the footage:

and.....

I found this curiosity whilst going through the photos:

I can only assume this was after hours, during the clear up phase. I think I resemble some kind of mischievous, chair stealing gnome! Goes to show I have a sense of humour....sometimes.

Lastly:

A thoughtful gallery visitor and Audrey Grant admirer brought in this beautiful posy of snowdrops from her garden. There's over a hundred snowdrops in there....that's a lot of picking! A warming human touch.

Have a great weekend everyone.

Ending with...

Hello everyone

Firstly, I want to say a huge thanks to all 20 of the artists that made "Small and Perfectly Crafted" so, well, perfect! As there were so many different styles on show it made for a really visually stimulating exhibition. Just the thing to kick-start a new year.
So it was lovely, on the last weeknd of the exhibition, to have an unexpected visit from the lovely artist Cathy Campbell:

Cathy Campbell's still life paintings are truly delicious.
Earlier in the week:

Plotting and planning with artist and partner in crime Stewart Bremner. I was treated to a very tasty supper with home made bread, also delicious.
All the way from NYC:

My father is having a cultural vacation in the Big Apple. I thought it would be nice if he visited Hannah Haworth, creator of "The Hunt", to see her first solo exhibition in New York. Unfortunately, he arrived on a Sunday and the gallery was closed. Thanks for your efforts though Dad, and for sending photographic evidence that you did actually make the trip! This photo is of Auldjo family friend Ian Ferguson. Looks like they're having a good time.
Leaving you with this:

Brave Forsythia is always a welcome blast of colour in February. I think it will also be the perfect floral accompaniment for the next, powerful exhibition:

and....

Being Human opens this Thursday and is definitely an exhibition not to be missed.