I started working as a Steward 2 days a week at Skara Brae in mid June. Working between the Admissions desk, the Shop and the Site. It was a fabulous summer job giving me lots of inspiration for new artworks whilst learning more about Neolithic Orkney.
However towards the end of Summer the weather turned and not all days were sunny blue skies!
Meanwhile while I was not working or sorting out the garden or having to rest because of migraine or fibro, I was working in the studio.....
These works are on sale at Badly Drawn Cat Gallery, Kirkwall
‘Saoirse The Mermaid Bowl’
I had been working on this air dried clay bowl for some weeks. I wanted to capture the beautiful aqua colours of the sea here in Orkney. Happily I have been in the sea at least once a week during this summer and even got pretty close to a seal on one visit. Everything I had been told about open water swimming is true, it is so invigorating and I get pain relief whilst in the water - bonus! However, the final touches to the bowl included and unexpected twist. Filming of the book 'The Outrun' is took place in Orkney and the house next door to us was being used in the film. So we had a film crew, equipment etc. around for a few days and on the day I was in the studio finishing the bowl, the 'hero character' (as she was called in our info letter) turned up to film, it was Saoirse Ronan! Oh to be so close to the presence of greatness (I saw the back of her head and heard her speak) I therefore could have no other name for this piece of work
Inganess beach, The Juanita, swimming with friends (I’m in the middle)
We (David labouring!) also did lots of work in the garden which was just a joy
I dabbled in stone painting and put them on our wall for a giveaway, they went pretty fast!
With the change of seasons and Autumn arriving we are about to experience a change in our lives with the arrival of a PUPPY! Perfect timing (well planned) as I will have 'training time' in between getting ready for my Exhibition in November at the Gallery as well as Workshops in November and December - more details to follow................