Friday, September 27, 2024

This is where all the stories start








10 years ago this week I arrived in Scotland to make it my home. There is so much I want to say about it, that it overwhelms me. So this week, I will just share some new art and say thank you to the trees, the flowers, the gardens, the birds, the paths, the wind, the hills, the sea, the music, the art, the cobblestones and old buildings and to all people who have loved, cared for, and supported me during this time. Those that are still here and those that are somewhere else. Thank you also to my dearest, Theo. 

Thank you. 

10 years can be celebrated this week, next week, and even all year. 
I love you, Scotland and I celebrate you every damn day. 

More soon. Keep Fighting. 

Friday, September 20, 2024

Bread, eggs, and butter

Thanks to everyone for your support and enthusiasm for my work and for celebrating the good news that comes my way. I will have lots more words next week but until then enjoy these two small works and this old song.

Keep fighting. 

Friday, September 13, 2024

All that I am: Publishing News!

Image Credit: Printano. Painting: All that I am by Megan Chapman 

Dear Readers and Patrons,

I have some exciting news to share with you all.

I was recently contacted by the creative director of Image Conscious, a San Francisco-based art publisher and distributor of open-edition fine art prints, posters, and canvas reproductions. 

"Image Conscious is one of the largest wholesale art suppliers worldwide, they sell exclusively to retailers, art consultants, interior designers, frame and poster shops, speciality shops, and wholesale framers. In business since 1980, their collection is comprised of some of the world’s finest contemporary artists and photographers."

I am happy to share, I am now one of them! I am beyond thrilled to have signed a contract to license a very special series of my paintings for worldwide reproduction across a variety of platforms, including wholesale and retail

Image Credit: Printano. Painting: Everything I love by Megan Chapman 

That means that wherever you are in the world, you can now purchase quality reproductions of my series, Echoes and Memory. There are 15 paintings in the series to choose from, all beautifully reproduced, and now in a variety of sizes available as a rolled or framed print, or a stretched canvas, with all sorts of beautiful framing options. 

It has always been important to me that my art remain accessible and working with Image Conscious makes this a reality, and takes it to the next level! I am really excited about this new partnership. 

As part of this arrangement, I am also delighted that I am currently a featured artist with Printano. 

"As planet-conscious individuals and artists at heart, we envisioned creating a platform that offers the highest-quality artworks to our customers while steadfastly supporting artists and the planet. We believe in the power of art to inspire, transform, and bring about positive change in the world. This belief fueled our mission to create a sustainable and artist-friendly marketplace. Printano came to life in 2022, born from a passion for art and a commitment to sustainability."

I love their ethos and I am so pleased to be part of it and have my work available to more people than ever before. Shop and enjoy the collection on their elegant site.

Image Credit: Printano. Painting: Your quiet heart by Megan Chapman 

Besides Image Conscious for wholesale orders and Printano for retail, you can also find this body of work beautifully reproduced on Art.com, Allposters.com and in more places soon. Currently, at Printano they are offering 15% off your first order and free shipping for orders over $100. 

I am just so happy to share some good and exciting news.

To be an artist is to persevere. 
To be an artist is to protect your work.
This is no easy task but sometimes good things do happen and hard work gets noticed. Good working relationships in the arts can exist and when one of us succeeds, we all do. 

Thank you for your support and enthusiasm for my work and for being here to witness it all. 

Keep fighting.

Friday, September 6, 2024

We are the roses

Work on paper, 2024

I don't really know where to start or what to write this week. My regular readers/viewers will know, this year has been pretty wordless on the old studio blog. I have mostly posted images of my works on paper as I complete them. The past two weeks have seen reactionary posts due to the state of arts funding in Scotland.

Yesterday, I was at the demonstration at the Scottish Parliament regarding the cuts with my peers and fellow artists from the Scottish Artists Union. It was a spirited protest. I chanted, held my placard high, and listened to all of the impassioned speeches. I am always moved by anything Roz Foyer 
(General Secretary of the Scottish Trades Union Congress) has to say and as usual, she didn't disappoint with her speech yesterday. I could share all the photos I took and I could write more in-depth about the experience. However, I am not sure I have it in me to post that blog today. 

I do feel that trade unions hold so much promise. If you are someone looking for help, a safe place to land, and a place to create change and get involved, then your union might just be the place to go. Our unions are only as strong as our membership. The more engaged our members are, the more power the union has to affect real change. So if you haven't already and you are eligible to join a union, please do so and ask how you can be more involved.

If you are in a reasonably stable place, and you have a bit of time to possibly attend meetings, go to learning events, or perhaps simply read a newsletter and familiarise yourself with your union's website and workings, you will probably get something meaningful back in return for your time. 

I am reminded of John F. Kennedy's famous and often quoted inaugural address from January 20, 1961.  

"And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man."

I'll paraphrase his wise words with an unapologetic union slant: Ask not what your union can do for you, ask what you can do for your union and what together we can do for the freedom of all workers.

I guess I knew what to write all along... and if you have read these last few blogs, thank you. If you have been in the trenches the last couple of weeks and well beyond, thank you. 

You and your work matter. Keep fighting.