Friday, May 27, 2016

ReUnion


I just love a good exhibition! Especially the first one in a new space that has been completely redone with loving care and blood, sweat, and tears. That is exactly what the patrons and artists were treated to on Friday night at Union gallery at its new and spectacular location at 4 Drumsheugh place in Edinburgh.



From the large display window in front, to the newly sanded wood floors, high ceilings and carefully selected paint job, the gallery is glorious. The new Union Gallery seems to go on and on. Towards the back a huge window brings natural light into the space while creating a second defined viewing area.


There is also a large lower gallery downstairs, with a painted floor, bright white walls and plenty more exhibition space. It feels like an area of the gallery that might just be up for a bit of anything.



Wonderful sculptures, ceramics, mixed media pieces as well as representational and abstract paintings fill the space that gallerist and painter Alison Auldjo has so carefully curated.

I am beyond pleased that six of my paintings are beautifully presented in the downstairs gallery. Four works from my A Delicate Balance series hang to left of the space while two of my latest pieces from A shift in the weather hang to the right, near the foot of the stairs. I am honored to have my work in such a beautiful space and alongside such a varied group of talented artists.


Seeing my work in this new space felt like an important moment in my evolution as an artist and in my evolution of living in Edinburgh. In my mind this moment is made all the more important because these are not small works, not works on paper, not works created on a kitchen worktop during a visit, not a one off project with a deadline or works in a holiday show.

These paintings on canvas and this moment at Union Gallery, represent the continuation of doing what I do best and fully living this life as an artist.


These are large works that were created over the past year and four months in my studio at the Out of The Blue Drill Hall around the corner from our flat. These paintings also represent my time spent learning how to live here while I continue to grow and maintain my practice as an artist.

I participated in my first group exhibition in 1995 when I was twenty-three and living in Eugene, Oregon. It's been twenty-one years since and I am so grateful that I am still making my art and people are still taking a chance on it. Thank you.


If you are in Edinburgh do not miss ReUnion. The exhibition will be up through the 31st of July 2016. Union Gallery is located at 4 Drumsheugh Place.

Photo credit on all but two photos: Stewart Bremner

Friday, May 20, 2016

Exhibition News!

Well this week has seen me unwell and sidelined with a course of antibiotics and off to bed but good things have been happening regardless!

Union Gallery once located on Broughton street has a wonderful new home at number 4 Drumsheugh Place in the West End of Edinburgh and gallerist Alison Auldjo has selected six of my recent works to be in her new, bigger and even more beautiful space!

If you are in the area I hope you will join us next Friday May 27th from 6-8pm for the preview of the inaugural group exhibition, Reunion. 

I am very excited for Alison and for this next chapter of Union Gallery. The space is amazing and I am honored to have my work included.

Until next week, keep fighting and be ready to answer the call.

Friday, May 13, 2016

A shift in the weather

It's been a good week! I worked on my special commission and am feeling satisfied as it nears completion. I shipped an order of 4 prints off from my Etsy shop to a new patron in Edinburgh.

This week my twitter account and work was shared as part of a WOW 24/7 feature11 things to do in Portobello (That's aren't bathing on the beach). #3 on the list mentioned checking out the art at The Tide Gallery and Coffee Shop and just happened to use my tweet from February with images of my work in the gallery.

In other very exciting news, I was interviewed for Edinburgh based, Portfolio Oomph for their meet the artist/teacher feature! I really like what they do to help students get into art school. It's a wonderful site, so please check them out and follow them on social media. You can read my interview here. It's not often I am asked to write my own epitaph... 

Stewart graciously photographed my latest paintings for me this week so I could share them with you all here on my blog and social media. I am very happy to present the beginning of my latest series, A shift in the weather.  

Turning inward
30x30" 
Acrylic, charcoal on canvas 
© 2016 Megan Chapman

Fleeting
30x30" 
Acrylic, charcoal on canvas 
© 2016 Megan Chapman

A shift in the weather
30x30" 
Acrylic, charcoal on canvas 
© 2016 Megan Chapman

I can still see you there
36x24"
Acrylic, charcoal on canvas
© 2016 Megan Chapman


Hiding in plain sight
16x20"
Acrylic, charcoal on canvas 
© 2016 Megan Chapman

My heart divided
16x20"
Acrylic, charcoal on canvas 
© 2016 Megan Chapman

Darkness comes in stages
12x48"
Acrylic, charcoal on canvas
© 2016 Megan Chapman



Wishing to remember 
39x59"
Acrylic, charcoal on canvas 
© 2016 Megan Chapman
Thanks for joining me again this week. Until next time, keep fighting...the world needs you and your art!

Friday, May 6, 2016

Let's Rock!

Commission palette
This week I focused my energies on a special commission I have been researching and working on for a while now. It's always fun when a patron gives me a few ideas and loose guidance of what they want in a commission but also loads of room to play and explore within the subject.

Because of this I am working on a mixed media painting and using materials I have never worked with before. It has been a fun challenge and I am really looking forward to seeing where it all goes as it progresses. I am honored to have been trusted to create this special piece. I will be finishing the work in the coming weeks. I have told my patrons that I will not share the work in progress until after they have received it and are pleased. It makes it a little hard to do social media or share too much on my blog at the moment but I am documenting it as I go and all will be revealed sooner than later. I do love a good secret!

On this note, I do take commissions and if you are ever looking for an original abstract piece of mine in a different size or for a special occasion or perhaps based on an older style of my work or perhaps a style you can only hint at for the future, please let me know. I love to work with my patrons as long as I have room to create something true to myself and my work, as well as meeting your needs in the process. If this sounds like something you might be interested in, please contact me though my contact form on my website www.meganchapman.com.

In other art related news I went to see Seattle band, Tacocat, play on Tuesday night. The live music really invigorated me and fanned the flames to see even more live bands in Edinburgh. As someone who has seen live music regularly since I was 14 (and then not as regularly for a while now) it really reminded me of everything I love about seeing a gig. The energy was contagious and life affirming and because of this I have tickets for another Seattle band, Chastity Belt, later in the month. It's all about filling the well, not only with books, films and art, but with some good old live music and a bit of pogo dancing certainly doesn't hurt. You really can dance for inspiration!

Until next week, dance, dance, dance, to the radio... and make your art!