It’s hard to believe it’s been a full five years since moving to Fife, and 4 years since the completion of Birchtree Studio. It has become a joyful place of creative contemplation, play and production which we love to share with our visitors. As I contemplate the changing colours in the garden this early Autumn, I’m excited to share my art news for the coming calendar year.
Studio Visit weekend
On November 4th-5th 2023 we are hosting a Birchtree Studio Visit Weekend. Click to reserve a space.
What’s to see in the Studio? – I’ll be showing an archive of previously unseen notebook drawings and watercolours, having learnt new conservator techniques to extract them from 25 years of journals. Also paintings and drawings, and a new collaborative print for sale. Those really keen will be invited to your our in house Art Collection. Book your time slots- cant wait to see you.
Tracers – a collaboration
TRACERS : I have been invited into a fascinating new cross-generation collaboration with Glasgow-based performance artist Stephanie Black-Daniels, which is planned for development across a series of workshops between October 23- February ’24. It will be based on Stephanie’s research and development looking into the history & experiences of women ‘Tracers’ in the Glasgow Shipbuilding Industry in the early/mid 20th Century. I am delighted to collaborate, as it takes me back into exploring former genres of industrial maritime subjects that I explored back in the ’80s & 90’s, and concerns the nature of movement in drawing and the lives of women. Tracers will culminate in a performance of drawing and dance at the Gallery of Modern Art in Glasgow in February, and is supported by Creative Scotland.
TRACERS R&D @stephanieblackdaniels @creativescots collaborator @katedownie56 and producer @jojo.maffyews
Scottish Women Artists – 250 years of Challenging Perceptions
I recommend a visit to the Dovecot if you haven’t been already to see Scottish Women Artists – 250 years of Challenging Perceptions. Its a beautifully curated exhibition, and my work from the City Arts Centre Collection ‘Study for Three Bridge Evening’ is is represented adjacent to a magnificent Catherine seascape by Joan Eardley. Here I am at the preview with co-curator James Knox, director of the Fleming Collection, and Charlotte Rostek who wrote the excellent accompanying publication. until January 8th 2024
Dialogues Exhibition – a painting for the Paris Olympics 2024
I am delighted to announce an invitation for inclusion in the forthcoming exhibition ‘Dialogue’ at the Musée Maurice Denis in St Germain-en-Laye near Paris during the 2024 Olympics, from May 21st – December 31st, 2024.
‘Dialogue’ presents a renewed and original display of the Museum’s collection and the work of 9 contemporary British artists has been selected, to be integrated into the heart of the exhibition, resonating with the works from the past. My painting ‘The Manse Cherry’ will be hanging with works by Denis, Gaugin, Maillol, Redon alongside other invited UK artists including Anna Ginsburg, Lynette Yiadom Boakye, Andy Goldsworthy, David Nash and David Hockney.
It promised to be a fascinating exhibition, and I feel honoured to have my painting seen in this vibrant curatorial context. It will even be turned though 108 degrees half way through the show!
‘ Siblings’ – a forthcoming Solo Exhibition 2024
‘Siblings’ will open next September 2024 at the award winning Glasgow Women’s Library, and will feature the body of work created during my 2021-22 research and ‘completion’ of the unfinished painting by Joan Eardley ‘Two Children’. I am currently working on new paintings and collaborative work with siblings of all ages.
More news to follow on this as the project develops.
