Algorithms be damned

dark interiors

Dear Readers,

It's another cold but bright start to the day. The coffee is hot, and the fake fire hums. This past week was fairly quiet, but the theme of connection buzzed throughout.

After I posted my blog last Friday, I walked over to see my talented pals Fiona Thompson and Chris Donnelly of Cyan Clayworks. Their studio is warm, bright, and inviting - just like them. Their pal, Craig Peebles, was also visiting. Craig is the founder of Welby & Wright, an encaustic tile maker, master tiler, and artist. It was lovely to be welcomed into the fold with mince pies, tea, laughs, and art chat on a Friday afternoon. I even left with a flock of Chris' wee chickens and plan to go back later today for one or two more in yellow!

If you are local to Leith/Edinburgh or passing through, make plans to visit Fiona and Chris, as well as the many other talented artists and creative businesses taking part in the upcoming Leith Creative Trail.

After chatting with all of them, I stopped by Malt & Hops (est. 1747) to enjoy their coal fire and have a non-alcoholic beer. I've always loved this pub; the warm, dark interior feels like an embrace.

The weekend consisted of a bit of charity shopping, painting, and reconnecting with my fellow artists and patrons online. I managed to share two posts on Instagram and Facebook; somehow, I hadn’t posted to my Instagram grid since 23 June.

In case you missed it, here's what I wrote and posted.

Photo from a dear patron showing one of my paintings in their home in Holland.

"Hello, my dear and wild friends - I hope this finds you. I’ve been thinking about this space and how I use it. I miss how we used to connect, but I also loathe the platform - and the algorithm can fuck off. I haven’t been making “content” lately, and I’m trying to find a way back to you, grounded in our shared care. Maybe this is a start: if you see this, could you drop a comment or an emoji? Thank you for your years of support for my painting." 

It was wonderful to hear from so many folks - with a total of 153 emojis and approximately 67 comments between the platforms. I really needed that sense of connection to remind me of the importance of community building in my art practice.

I posted this as a follow-up. 

Photo from a lovely patron showing one of my paintings in their home in England

"Thank you for your kind, encouraging comments on my recent post. It was wonderful to reconnect with so many of you, from early supporters to more recent friends. It truly means the world. Your support keeps me painting through storms and opportunities alike.

These days, I'm taking a slower, more intentional approach - algorithms be damned. I'm still here, making work in fits and starts, and I can't wait to share it with you."

And again, I was met with a sense of community. 89 emojis and 7 comments across the two platforms. If you commented or reacted to the posts this week, thanks again. It's not about numbers; it's about connection, and it gave me a needed boost and a reminder to reach out.

Due to my postings, I was also contacted by and learned about a new community arts space in Glasgow called MOMO. According to the organiser, they are a small space in an area of Glasgow not normally associated with art, and they are attempting to find a community of folks who not only love art but also want to participate. I can appreciate that ethos and understand that it can be more difficult to start something like this off the beaten path. So if this sounds up your street, give MOMO a follow on social media, and if you are in Glasgow, pop by for a coffee and some art to support their mission.

Also, thanks to my post, I had a lovely Zoom catch-up with my friend and fellow artist Muriel Prince. Muriel lives and works in the Scottish Borders. It was great to talk "artist to artist" about life, work, and cats. Muriel's "draw walk" technique is fascinating, and her works are richly layered with meaning and feeling. It was great to reconnect.

Otherwise, it was a normal week: working, watching films and shows, keeping in touch with loved ones, and watching more Stewart Copeland interviews.

As I mentioned above, I painted, but I wasn't thrilled with the results. Dark and brooding - but not fully realised, so I won't share it just yet. Painting something is better than painting nothing, and reconnecting with my fellow artists, patrons, and the wider community is an important step in the right direction.

I am not sure what this weekend holds. I will probably attempt another social media post. There will be a painting session on Sunday, and big thoughts and ideas rattling around my brain. Some will be actualised, and most won't, and that is all just part of the process.

I will wrap up warm in my new charity shop jumper, get outside and see what the big city has to offer and go get my chickens!

Thanks for being part of my community. We really are in this together. I hope you have a warm and relaxed weekend. Keep fighting.