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