Consulting the oracles

conversation with self

It's been a hard month - Loss, illness, and unease

It's been a beautiful month - Conversations, understanding, and alchemy

A creative return 

Consulting the oracles

My hands have moved

Reclaiming stolen property

Thank you

Thank you

Thank you

For Brian with gratitude always.

This line tells the truth

good things 

Paper, pen, water, and paint

Dirty brushes in a pretty cup

Early morning light and the sound of rain

Writing letters to the ether with an inky pen
Asking for guidance

Showing up and looking for a friend

Tearful and raw

I get my answers

This paper is more important than anything 

and this line tells the truth

I abandon myself so easily 

But we are speaking again

Like old strangers

Turning the corner with suprise and delight

Our one thousandth homecoming

X

I need to find my guts (again)

Consumption

mixed media on canvas, 60 x 70 cm

©2023 Megan Chapman

Fortress building
mixed media on canvas, 60 x 92 cm
©2023 Megan Chapman

I feel like a combination of these two paintings from 2023. I need to find my guts. I need to get my arse back in the deep end.

Thank you, Brian for seeing, believing, and championing my work. Your kindness after our art paths crossed soon after I moved to Scotland will never be forgotten.

Rest in power.

New small works series in progress

Within
mixed media on canvas, 10x10cm
2026 © Megan Chapman

Hello Dear Readers, 

Another new small work has surfaced (see above). There are currently four in this series, with the first one being in Manchester at the Saul Hay Gallery for their 10x10 Exhibition opening on the 13th of June. You can learn more about the exhibition and view the included works here: https://www.saulhayfineart.co.uk/10x10. 

I am delighted to be a part of it and thankful for the inspiration for this new series.

Three new pieces on my studio wall minus the one I sent to Manchester

I am going to keep it simple this week. I hope you are well and inspired wherever you are. Thanks for spending some time with me. 

Until next week, keep fighting.

Through the heat waves

I have been living with my door wide open to the outside world. I have been watching the sunlight flash across the walls, bouncing from windows over the road - dancing patterns through the leaves in the trees. It reminds me of the past and of music and films that I have seen. Buttercups grow past my knees in the garden and sway back and forth in the breeze.

I look towards the sun and breathe in comfort. A forgotten melody plays as I dance across the room - a remembered joy returns.

Summer is here and so am I. 

X
 

Exhibition News!

Under the surface
mixed media on canvas, 10x10cm
2026 © Megan Chapman

Hello Dear Readers,

I hope you enjoyed last week's post featuring a new wee painting and poem. If you've been following my work long enough, you'll know that titles are very important to me. Naming my work is an equal part of my process. The poem was a way for me to illustrate how titles serve as keys to let the viewer in to the work.

Last week's small painting and poem (and the work shown above) were all inspired by being invited by fellow artist and dear friend Steven Heaton to participate in Saul Hay Gallery's 10th anniversary exhibition next month in Manchester. 

50 artists from Saul Hay’s past and present have been challenged to create a piece measuring just 10x10cm. In turn each artist has invited a new artist, one who has never shown at Saul Hay before, to join the show. 

10 x 10 Exhibition

Saul Hay Gallery

​Saturday 13th June - Sunday 28th June 2026 ​​​

Tuesday to Saturday 10 - 5.30 and Sunday 10 - 5

Closed Sunday 21st

Railway Cottage, behind Bass Warehouse, off Castle Street,
Castlefield, Manchester M3 4LZ

Email: info@saulhayfineart.co.uk

You can view the 10x10 works online and more will continue to be added.

Disappear Here
Mixed Media on Canvas, 10x10cm
2026 © Megan Chapman
Sold

Disappear Here

Disappear Here, mixed media on canvas, 10x10cm, 2026 © Megan Chapman
Sold

Paintings are thresholds to be crossed

I put the keys under the mat by the front door
But you have to come to the porch and you have to know where to look
Don't be afraid to wake the sleeping dog or worry the neighbour
You must be brave and feel that those keys were left for you

Breathe. Turn the lock. Open the door.
Step into the dark. Find the light.
Now you can sit and stay a while.
No rush, no hurry.

You are inside
My home

Make yourself comfortable
Imagine yourself living here
Within the mystery of its bones

As you leave the key for the next guest
Something of you remains