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.