I first started exhibiting at Isle Ornsay at Gallery An Talla Dearg in 1992. At that time I had held an exhibition in London at the Mall Galleries where I was trying to be seen in a more cosmopolitan area and there I met Laurence Broderick, the sculptor. He invited me to exhibit in Skye assuring me that the people from 'cosmopolitan places' would visit me. He was right! I've met people from all over the world and my paintings have had a wider audience than I could have wished for with supportive clients and collectors worldwide. It truly is a unique gallery with clients even coming in from the sea! It has a busy little harbour with yachts mooring there in the summer and visitors have actually planned their holidays to coincide with the exhibition!
When I first started exhibiting the paintings were mostly small in size and the medium gouache and water colour. As I now mainly paint in oils, the paintings have increased in size and hence so too the preparations to ship the work to Skye....
I used to drive a small hatchback up to the island - and crammed everything in there. Then I increased to a Frontera four wheel drive and eventually had to purchase a trailer and used this method to transport the work to and fro for a number of years. Oh how thins have changed! Nowadays I have to use transport company! When you think about it however - for that one month period I take up a full exhibition of both paintings & prints, all my studio equipment (as I paint whilst I am there), the computers and all the joyous paperwork that conicides and of course..... My Suitcase! Oh and of course - the dogs! (now sadly only 3).
As well as packing up for the journey north, I have to prepare the house here for it's visitors/sitters, as I always have friends stay here whilst I'm away.
The build up to this very Special show is ongoing. I start painting at the beginning the year and selectively put aside ones for the exhibition. All the paintings will be framed and just prior to their transit - thoroughly wrapped. It takes a week to pack up everything, then it take an intense two days to unpack and set up the show. My temporary easel/studio bit gets set up after the preview as it is just a tad messy! Most days I paint and enjoy the scenery outside. I relax and reflect whilst surrounded with my own work on show....I chat and listen to the feedback from the visitors - young and old..... This year the preview is 17th July 2010 12pm - 2pm ....you are more than welcome to come!
Alas, after a fantastic month up there I have the dismantling of the show, the packing up of the studio and everything in reverse to do. Is it worth it? Absolutely!! - It has become a home from home and I love meeting new people and getting first hand feedback on my work. I love sharing the islands with the visitors and holiday makers. It is a unique opportunity, and nice that 'the artist' becomes accessible to the public!
My accommodation whilst there has been varied. I have lodged at Camus Cross with many different people over the years, who have since become good friends. I have camped on the shore with my dogs in a motorhome for four years (the land compliments of a local crofting family), and finally at Cruard Cottage which I am now very fortunate to own. Cruard Cottage was previously a B&B where my friends and family would lodge whilst visiting me. The circumstances of the house becoming available to me is short of amazing - truly a gift. It is available to rent so for those who want to enjoy the stunning views that have attracted me over the years please visit:
www.go-selfcatering.co.uk/cruardcottageskye
I look forward to meeting some of you this year.