Earth Journeys showcases the work of three contemporary Scottish
artists who work with the landscape making use of the materials
and processes of nature.
Their methods favour observation, collecting and forms of manipulation
that reflect the land in ways which are both suggestive and challenging.
The experiences of places visited or journeys made are expressed
in paint, collage and metalwork and engender a sense of place and
the timelessness of past and present.
United by their empathy for nature this family of artists; two
sisters and a brother bring together their stories which reveal
striking similarities in their underlying concerns.
The Exhibition runs from Mid April to the end of June.
David Law
David Law adopts a direct approach to landscape painting using colour harmonies
and tonal variations to express his vision of the countryside around
him.
Using earthy greens and browns David opens his canvasses to light
and air as he renders the transition of filtering morning sunlight
into deep purple shadow. Working in oil and mixed media, he embraces
a variety of styles and visual disciplines which can vary markedly
in response to subject, mood and the weather.
From the unified harmony of wooded country lanes, streams and footpaths
to the abstract vibrancy of stormy shore lines he retains a continuity
of inspiration between them.
Frances Law
Frances Law works and walks on the coastal fringes of Scotland.
What is seen and found along the way is expressed through a mixture
of materials and methods - text, drawing, painting and assembled
found objects which are often made in situ.
Working with bone, wood, stone and rust, artefacts appear bearing
witness to history; to her own history and to the history of the
human condition and its connection with our environment.
The practical relationship that once existed between our culture
and its environs inspires her to construct, through the process
and completion of these artefacts, a new link with the natural world,
one which offers a window for people to view and reconsider their
own relationship with their surroundings.
Within the reconstruction and the making of tools and relics lie
an understanding of our cultural past, our engagement with the earth
and the possibilities that lie therein.
Jan Johnstone
Jan Johnstone is fascinated by the powerful influences charms have
had on human behaviour. Inanimate objects imbued with the ability
to transfer magical powers; trinkets to protect against and ward
off evil.
Representing feelings, events, desires and memories, these exist
in every culture and tribal society of our world. Using the evocatively
named and ancient semi- precious stones - jasper, obsidian, chalcedony,
moonstone, turquoise, carnelian, and marrying these with silver,
Jan creates keepsakes with a contemporary twist.
Jan employs traditional images - hearts, flowers, stars and spirals
combining these with symbols representing water - ripples, rings
or fish to produce unique pieces invoking elemental magic.

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