Narratives in Art.
Narratives in Art is a living archive of my practice, a space to document, process, and think out loud. Posts might follow a new work, a small observation, an exhibition, or a question I can't yet answer. There is no fixed agenda here, only an ongoing record of how the work develops, where it leads, and what it is slowly becoming.
“Understory”.
Repurposing discarded office frames as canvases led to Understory, a piece exploring memory, balance, and belonging. Using my new Chinese painting set, I experimented with ink grinding, layering, and the interaction between paint and space. Inspired by the forests of Loch Tay and the concept of the understory, this work reflects on the haziness of memory and the unseen layers that shape our connection to place.
Exploring Cianalas.
In my recent exploration of place attachment, a conversation with a friend introduced me to the Welsh word "hiraeth," which expresses a deep longing for home. This led me to discover its Scottish counterpart, "Cianalas," particularly poignant among the Islanders of the Outer Hebrides. This term encapsulates the emotional connections we form with places, shaped by personal histories and collective memories. As I delve into Cianalas, I aim to weave together the themes of place attachment and memory in my artwork, employing techniques such as layering and shadow to evoke the nuanced emotions tied to these significant locations. My practice will reflect how memories, much like shadows, can shift and change over time, creating a tapestry of experiences that shape our identities and sense of belonging.