Edinburgh bound!

Wow, so here I am on the last Friday night I will spend in Fayetteville, Arkansas for six months! The next time I write this blog I will be sitting at the Ikea table in Stewart's small flat and listening to the cars travel across the cobblestone roads in Edinburgh, Scotland. I will also perhaps be a little jet lagged, it is hard to imagine. What is not hard to imagine are all the lovely people that helped make this happen. I appreciate my friends, family and all my generous supporters that believe in me and want me to have this adventure. I am so very grateful. I can't wait to create my online travel journal and share my experiences with you.

I have already learned so much more about my family while doing some preliminary research and I can't wait to take it to the next level by visiting The House of Records and other genealogical research institutions in Edinburgh, to learn more about the Campbells and the other Scottish and English Ancestors I have. I have been thinking about the art I want to make and am feeling excited about all of it.

I am also excited about seeing my friends from over there again. I am trying to say yes to almost every invitation that comes my way while I am visiting. I am pleased to say there have been several invitations already! I have been invited to spend some time in the town of Haddington, invited to a monthly art group and a 10 week yoga class is in the cards too!

However, I must admit I am also feeling a bit overwhelmed and anxious about being gone for so long and being away from my family, friends and pets but at the same time it will be great to share my family research, photographs and adventures with them all. I think I will be relieved once I am on the plane and actually on my way. Anticipatory anxiety and saying goodbye to those you love are not pleasant feelings, even if you are going on a grand adventure.

While I have been getting ready to leave, I also worked on finishing six new pieces from my latest series "The lines that connect us." It feels good to have created some new work in the craziness of getting ready to leave. These new 12x12" paintings fuse old maps of Scotland, America and Arkansas onto panel. I will have to wait until I return to finish the fifteen panel series.

Wintering
Mixed media on panel 12x12"
© 2013 Megan Chapman
$275

The killing frost
Mixed media on panel 12x12"
© 2013 Megan Chapman 
$275

Where they walked
Mixed media on panel 12x12"
© 2013 Megan Chapman 
$275

To remain hidden
Mixed media on panel 12x12"
© 2013 Megan Chapman 
$275

A simple totem
Mixed media on panel 12x12"
© 2013 Megan Chapman 
$275

Common passage
Mixed media on panel 12x12"
© 2013 Megan Chapman 
$275

Anyway, that is about it. I just wanted to check in and say thank you. Without so many folks supporting me on this trip, it would not have happened. I am grateful for the opportunity I was given and I can't wait to share it with you, my travel companions from the ether. Thank you for going along with me on this journey.

Fear kept me from doing a lot in my earlier life and I will always struggle with its power over me but when I worry I remember these wise words from artist Georgia O'Keeffe: "I've been absolutely terrified every moment of my life and I've never let it keep me from doing a single thing that I wanted to do.”

Until next week, keep fighting. 

Love, 

Megan