Summer Blog - May

Raindrops, Reflections and Sunny Days

〰️

Raindrops, Reflections and Sunny Days 〰️

In Scotland we can have four seasons in one day; or that’s what it feels like at times.  The weather is seldom predictable in Scotland but we have some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world with the lush greens, the rugged mountains and the blooming heathers that forms a blanket of colour over our lands.  Our landscapes have inspired so many artists, famous and lesser known ones.  Our weather can also be inspirational with the dark imposing clouds, the snow caps that remain well beyond spring and the warming rays of sun across our lands and coastlines

Our theme for the Summer Exhibition is Raindrops, Reflections and Sunny Days – all of which can be found on a typical Scottish day.  So how will our artists interpret this theme?  Will they refer to inspirational artists from the past or even contemporary ones from their local areas?  Will they be innovative in their interpretations when using their paints, clay or other mediums?  Our titles are always broad enough for the lateral thinkers amongst our creatives.  We are never disappointed with what they come up with and likewise we are always quite surprised by some of the submissions.

RAINDROPS: every little droplet carries it’s own story – the carefully balanced droplets on a leaf, the bounce of the rain on pavements and umbrellas, the sparkle of carefully created glassworks or ceramics.  There is something energising in raindrops, whether they are resting or racing onwards.

REFLECTIONS: The ‘eyes’ have it; the glasses too.  Mirrors throw back what is hidden from view.  Lochs, burns and watering holes all bring the sky down to earth.  Porcelain and reflective materials all send back little snippets of information.  There is also the inner reflection, the telling of stories whether this be in the form of a book or a painting.  We all love a bit of narrative from one source or another.

SUNNY DAYS: The sun is our feel-good factor.  There is never a sad story in a sunny day landscape or the sunshine colours in ceramics.  Sunflowers too are great reminders of those warm sunny days we all wish we had more of; well at least here in Scotland we do.  Sunny days are what the en plein air artist seeks out – so much more pleasant to paint outdoors when the weather is good.

I am eager to see what our Artists and Makers will be bringing to us for this exhibition.  For the first time since we moved to Kirriemuir we will once again be inviting some photographers to join us.  Photography is an art language in itself.  It brings a visual poetry of our environment into the realms of emotion and exploration.  We have many artists that can paint an abstract or landscape and invoke a sense of place with the viewer – will our new photographic artists be able to do the same?

Abstract art always has a place within our exhibitions.  A good abstract artist can make their work dance on the edge of imagination.  It calls us into a place where we can explore and interpret, inviting us to find our own connections.  The canvas of an abstract artist can become a mirror reflecting our emotions, our memories and our inner dreams.  Abstract art whispers out to us “ come and see ….”