Statement |
I am captivated by Scottish weather. That sky-struck spectacle of light and shade playing out above our heads, every minute of each day. Never dull. Always changing.
Racing clouds flash us an epic summit glimpse, folds of silver rain wash from rocks to sea, mist swirls wraithlike until – at last, that magical golden burst after a dreich day.
Our land is defined by weather. As are we. My aim is to snatch but a moment of it. To try and project its hidden dynamics and sweeping beauty into distinct two-dimensional worlds for keeps. I call them weatherscapes.
Most of my work makes use of acrylic medium and a customised wet-on-wet technique. Mixing my chosen paints with a knife directly on the canvas, I quickly follow up with a large, flat brush and often my fingers to spread, smooth and blend each mix. This process allows for spontaneous freedom of flow and the degree of tactile control that helps me create squalls, clouds and reflections more organically. It’s a hypnotic, intuitive method which almost seems to turn me into an impromptu weather maker. Once the groundwork is done I begin to focus on detail, to reveal texture and intricate structures using a diverse range of carefully selected tools.
For some time I lived and worked on the Continent before recently returning home to Scotland. Much to the disbelief of some friends, I felt overjoyed at my return to Scottish weather when leaving those stifling hot days and bland blue skies behind for good. “Sublime” might be a step too far, but I do believe that our weather here offers enough depth and perspective to enthrall ceaselessly; redeeming features that – once revealed – might even dispel the popular belief in weather perfection.
My paintings attempt to give weather the place in our heart it deserves. To capture the essence of living in Scotland. The edge that makes us unique. When we lean into the wind, rain in our eyes – that sudden smile at a flit of sunshine is precious, and as alive as we dare to be.
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