a strange gift to care

a coldness, mixed media on canvas, 2024 © Megan Chapman

Interpol released a new album at around 6 am my time and I was there listening in the dark of morning. A 54 year old grown-ass woman, transfixed. 

I was transported to my childhood bedroom - where I was again listening to a new record. First side, any repeats? Play those a few more times, get to know them. Then flip it and find a gem or two and then flip it back and listen again. Find the grooves - the patterns and paths inside the music. Get lost in the story of the lyrics on the sleeve, and then the visuals. Usually, I would favour one side over the other and then after a week or so things would come together and I would have a complete picture of the new album. 

Like a detective looking for clues, it was an embodied experience - intense musical frisson. I am grateful to be so completely entranced by sound. 

I have already found my first repeater of the day on Interpol's new album, This Mirror Weighs a Ton. Wounded Soldier plays over and over on my big head phones. The vocal's edge, the lyrics and rhythm pull me along and keep me hooked.

I have written about Interpol and what their music means to me and my art, and how it has shown up in my life throughout the 19 years of this blog. It's a wonderful and strange gift to care so much about this band. 

On this perfect grey and rainy morning, I put sugar in my tea in celebration.

What do these shapes mean

This week saw a return to business as usual after the delightful visit from my neice. I returned to my studio routine and my job. 

I did still manage a bit of fun last weekend. I enjoyed a coffee meet up and some hyper local charity shopping with a pal last Saturday and then on Sunday another pal and I went to see the Phoebe Anna Traquair Murals. We also popped into a few other fringe art offerings, a lovely cafe, and a graveyard - so that's a great time in my book! I have seen the murals several times now but it was a treat to take our time and to really look at them. 

I painted a small painting (above). It is odd but has something I like about it. It doesn't exactly sit in the small series I have been working on but that's okay. 

I also finished a book I picked up in our local charity bookshop while browsing last week. I really enjoyed Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro. I see it has been made into a film. I watched the trailer after I finished the book and I am glad I read the book first. I will definitely read more of Ishiguro's work. I am unsure how I missed him all these years - after all he wrote The Remains of the Day. Klara and the Sun is beautiful, moving, and very timely. 

Things cross your path when they are meant to I guess. 

That's all I have for you just now as I have a busy day ahead tomorrow. 

I hope you are well, happy, and inspired wherever you are. And if not, tomorrow is another day. Keep fighting! 

Holiday in Edinburgh: Fringe Edition!

It feels like a long time has passed since I posted last week. Since then, I had a wee staycation in the city. I never take holidays, so when my youngest niece said she was popping over for the Fringe I decided to make the most of it too.

I don't think I had been to anything relating to the Fringe since 2019 (otherwise known as the before times). My niece picked several shows and I joined her for three on Monday and then I chose a show for Tuesday and she joined me. My niece went on to see many other shows as well and got a good survey of the Fringe offerings and venues.

I wanted to make note of the Fringe shows I attended this week. You can click on the links below to read about them - all are good and worthy of your money and support.

1. QFWFQ - Gregory Nussen 
Summerhall (Former Gents Locker Room)
2. Tether by Wonder Fools 
Summerhall (Main Hall)
3. Jess Fuchs - Feral 
Pleasance Courtyard (Bunker Two)
4. The Tao of Lloyd - Dennis Trainer Jr.
Assembly Rooms (Drawing Room)

I would highly recommend Tether - I shed a few tears, the venue was great - the music incredible and it was a moving cross cultural story and experience. A stunning minimalist production. 

I would also highly recommend The Tao of Lloyd. It was a tour de force of Gen X memory and reverie against a backdrop of taoist concepts and thoughtful and even somewhat risky political angst. Out of the four shows we attended together this was the only one that wasn't sold out and I feel it deserved to be. If you are left of the dial (musically and politically) then get a ticket and go support this show. Actor Dennis Trainer Jr. fully embodies the role. The show will leave you thinking about it days later. 

We also saw a bit of art, sampled some cafes and restaurants, the crowded Royal Mile and Grassmarket and the various festival courtyards for the vibes and a spot of people watching. We enjoyed wandering New Town and Stockbridge too. Edinburgh was hot, sunny, otherworldly, and a bit of a blur (and I live here - so that's saying something). 

We even made a day trip to enjoy Dunbar and to retrace our final steps overlooking the sea along the John Muir Way (which we completed together 4 years ago now). It was great to put our feet in the water this time around. While there we also enjoyed the lovely Found Gallery. It is a friendly space filled with beautiful and accessible work. It was especially great to see artist Dan Murray's paintings and prints there. 

We also explored the slightly calmer wilds of my neighbourhood in Leith enjoying the local cafes and wee shops. We also popped in to see my good pals at Cyan Clayworks for their brilliant Fringe offerings.

While we were there, they recommended that we dash across the street to take in Worship: a solo exhibition by Surface Ritual at Customs House Gallery. The exhibition focuses on faith and culture through the gaze of the Ghanaian Diaspora and continues through the 16th of August. While there, I bought a zine of vegan Ghanaian recipes and have been assured I now have the best recipe for Jollof Rice. I am looking forward to making it. Go check out the exhibition this weekend.

I had a great visit with my niece and it really made me appreciate living in such a beautiful, walkable, buzzing city of culture. We can never take it for granted. We must keep supporting the artists and the locals that make it what it is.

And to all the artists and arts workers taking creative risks and sharing your gifts, thank you.

Keep fighting!

Gold is the colour of now

And that's all I have to say about that. 

X

The universe sings

New work, 30x30cm, 2026

Spread thin like water, stretched and open - elemental. 

Colours dance and move back and forth

It can be that simple. 

_______________________________

In other news, Leith is the best. 

Whether it's having chai and a long blether with a friend in a local cafe on Leith Walk, going to see the opening of a brilliant group exhibition at MOTE 102, or walking down the road to Coburg House to visit all the lovely artists in their studios, Leith is the place to be. 

I thank my lucky stars for the community I live in. I am so fortunate to be surrounded by such passionate, talented, kind, and solid people. Thank you for sharing your gifts. 

Go support these hard-working artists and inspiring venues.

Until next week, the project continues. 

Keep fighting.

Nestled within

detail

I have just returned from another brilliant visit to Cyan Clayworks in the heart of Leith. Fiona and Chris have both been busy developing new bodies of work in preparation for their Edinburgh Fringe exhibition. It was a delight to see some of their new work, fresh from the kiln. 

As I have probably said before, I love having Cyan Clayworks in my neighbourhood. Fiona and Chris have created such a warm and welcoming space. It is a place where we usually talk about everything and nothing while sharing the wide variety of weirdness between us. 

Often, other artists drop by as well, adding to the atmosphere of camaraderie and connection. Today, artist Emma Sutherland popped by to say hello and to bring some promo materials for her upcoming group exhibition. "I have been here before" which will be held at MOTE 102, and opens Friday 31 July from 6-8pm and then continues on from 1-9 August, and is open from 11am - 5pm. It was good to be reintroduced to Emma who I met years ago. I am looking forward to the exhibition. MOTE 102 is a great space that shows exciting and versatile work and is another gem in the neighbourhood. So if you are in Leith/Edinburgh or coming through town put both these shows on your calendar. 

I always feel uplifted and more connected to the bigger picture after a visit with Chris and Fiona in their beautiful space. They are genuine connectors - a vital part to any art space, scene, or movement. Thank you both for all you share and everything that you bring to the community. You make it look easy, but I know it is hard work. 

Tomorrow, I have plans to meet my good friend and fellow artist, Julia, for a wander around the city and we will see where we end up. There is usually art and tea involved. I am looking forward to it. I enjoy our art rambles tremendously. 

In other news, my project continues, I have just completed day 42. I am starting to overthink it, and I feel like bowing out at times, but the information gleaned from my time on "the project" can't be understated. It's powerful and leading me somewhere so I will continue to do it whether I am in the flow or not.

This week was also full of nostalgia. I am noticing time in a very concrete way that has stopped me in my tracks more than a few times. I think the project and all that goes with it has primed the pump for this sort of reckoning.

Slow, fast, slow, fast, gone. I think I am in the early days of the second fast.

I am learning a lot, remaining open, and staying curious which may help slow it down a bit or perhaps it just makes me more acutely aware of the fast, and how fleeting everything is. 

Time continues to fold in on itself and I am nestled within.
You are there too. 

X.

detail

Anchor to my days

Book two

I have now been engaged in my personal project in my studio daily for the last 5 weeks. As previously mentioned, this entails a string of rituals stacked on top of each other and practised each morning starting around 6am. This usually lasts several hours, and before anything else happens in my day. Everything in its right place - a certain order - a priority. This time is fused together by movement, music, writing and painting, study and meditation. Born from necessity, the essentials revisited. It is a meaningful anchor to my days and I will continue like this until it inevitably runs its course.

And she was

I had a lovely week 

I saw so many beautiful things 

I enjoyed good and cool people 

I learned new ways 

I made art 

I wrote 

I sang 

I danced 

I walked 

I cooked 

I practiced 

I read 

I laughed 

I studied 

I was in awe 

I was moved 

I was sad 

I was anxious 

I worked 

I trusted 

I was disappointed 

I was angry 

I accepted help 

I helped others 

I was vulnerable 

I was ridiculous 

I made people laugh 

I was perfectly imperfect 

I was alive 

Built on a foundation of ok

X

She can see it returning

Currently I get up at 6 am, put a few things order, and then get to work in my studio. I have been working religiously on a personal project for the past 3 weeks. Combining writing, drawing, painting, and collage as well as eastern philosphy and tarot. Brian Eno provides the soundtrack. It's a complete ritual and I am leaning into with everything I've got. 

This type of working is more inline with how I worked in the early 2000s before I had studios outside of my home and I am loving it. 

Things are starting to shift. 

This time in my studio feels a bit like the Tao. I don't want to write or speak too much about it, because words fall short and aren't it. But I see it. I feel it - I even dream it.

This is how it works. 

Hello beautiful green life. 

Hello joyful glowing heart.

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

The art of living

Royal Scottish Academy Edinburgh

Hello, Dear Readers,

I hope you are doing okay and that you enjoyed last week's post on my day trip to Glasgow.

This week was varied; Monday was spent working on US and UK taxes. Tuesday, I received a Reiki session from a friend and practitioner-in-training, and afterwards we shared a delicious lunch. Wednesday and Thursday were spent working at my job with the Scottish Artists Union. After a matcha morning with a pal, Friday was mostly spent following the election results; however, in the evening, I attended the Royal Scottish Academy's 200th Annual Exhibition with two artist friends, both of whom had work in the show. Beyond spending time with them, I also bumped into a couple of other peers who had pieces in the prestigious exhibition. It is a strong show, and I look forward to going back when it is quieter.

This weekend I will be spending time in the studio listening to music and painting. I am working on a small 10 x 10 cm piece for an upcoming exhibition in Manchester. I will share more details regarding the exhibition soon.

In other news, spring is truly upon us now, with the trees in their fresh verdant coats and the small birds flitting about singing their morning songs.

And that's all I have for you this week. The studio is calling, and I must go.

Let Glasgow Flourish

City Chambers

Julia and I met at Edinburgh Waverley for our 10:15 train to Glasgow. We blethered away as the train sped through the bright yellow fields, arriving at our destination within the hour. I have always loved Glasgow and felt an affinity and connection from the first time I visited.

We readied ourselves for our day of adventure with cups of tea near the station, and then we were off! Walking along George Square, we popped into the gorgeous Victorian Glasgow City Chambers to enjoy the beautiful mosaics. I have walked past the stately building many times, but it never occurred to me to step inside. I was glad Julia mentioned the beautiful mosaic work and prompted our brief visit.

Keeper of Light by Smug

As we continued our walk through the city, we happened upon Keeper of Light, one of the brilliant murals by the artist Smug. I exclaimed, “Wow!” as I simply wasn’t expecting the mammoth painting. Julia and I took photos of the arresting vision in red.

We then continued on our way to see the current exhibitions at Trongate 103. Once inside the building, we encountered the moving and troubling images from Marc Davenant's Outsiders.

Neuk Collective Together Apart

We made our way upstairs as we had specifically come to Glasgow to see the Neuk Collective Exhibition, Together Apart. It is a varied exhibition, with plenty of work across most media to see and experience. I especially enjoyed the interactive works. Tactile art has interested me since I created my Books series. There were loads of works in Together Apart that called for tactile investigation; sound, colour, texture and a strong sense of play tied the exhibition together. This is the second Neuk Collective exhibition I have attended in person. I always get a strong sense of the thoughtfulness and care that goes into the planning and execution to ensure the experience is inclusive and accessible for as many people as possible.

We then visited Street Level Photoworks to view Simon Phipps's Brutal Scotland: Scotland's Post-War Modernist Architecture. A brilliant photography exhibition of brutalist buildings, a style that I have only grown to appreciate in recent years.

We rounded out our visit to Trongate 103 with a quick dash through the Glasgow Print Studio’s current exhibitions, viewing Janka Malkowska's Wood Cuts and works by featured artist, Consuelo R. Servan.

I was thankful to be able to view these five very different but equally important exhibitions. Accessible spaces such as Trongate 103 that offer so many different media, expressions, and opportunities under one roof are critical and must continue to be rallied around and supported in times of crisis and in our everyday lives. We must never take them for granted. Arts venues contribute to our well-being, our humanity, and build our communities. The importance of this cannot be understated. Solidarity to all who are working so hard and fighting to keep the doors open.

After all that art, we needed some food, so we walked down the road to Mono for a simple lunch of soup and some tasty focaccia. We followed this with a quick stop by Mr Ben Retro Clothing for a wee browse.

Cult of St. Enoch by Smug

St. Mungo by Smug

We then headed towards the Glasgow Necropolis. I have a thing for graveyards, and thankfully, Julia likes them too. We wandered up the road towards the city of the dead, where 50,000 people are buried on the 37- acre site. As we continued walking, we came across two more of Smug’s arresting murals - Cult of St Enoch and later Saint Mungo. All three of Smug's murals were a delight to happen across as we walked. Truth be told, I am not always a fan of public art or murals, but these are special.

Glasgow Necropolis

Glasgow Necropolis

Before we knew it, we were walking next to the Glasgow Cathedral (unfortunately, with the cathedral spire under wraps for renovation). We crossed the bridge to the garden-like hillside Necropolis, with its winding tiers of towering monuments, colourful wrought iron mausoleum gates, and views over the city. It immediately brought to mind Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris, which I visited twice during a four-day trip in 2016. I do love a cemetery! Julia and I slowly wandered up the hill, looking at the various graves. I video-called my mother to show her a few monuments, and gave her a dramatic reading of the script on the tomb of actor-manager John Henry Alexander of the Theatre Royal. I then showed her some of the ornate gates and the cathedral in the distance. Technology can be pretty wonderful at times.

Afterwards, Julia and I made our way back down the hill towards Queen Street Station and hopped on the train. We shared part of the journey back with two sleepy wedding revellers until we managed to find more private seats under a poster with a quote from a favourite Altered Images song,“I could be happy.”

We once again travelled through yellow fields and onto Waverley; another brilliant adventure in the books.

I could be happy...

You bloom in spring

my studio wall for my mother because she likes it

Spring has sprung! The light in the studio has been calling me. Even if I just sit and stare out the window or organise my materials, it's a better day. I love touching all the things - twine, hanging wires, screws, pencils, scissors, and all my various tools. I enjoy putting like with like and lining them up in order. I find it very satisfying. I found an Ikea peg board for £3 at a charity shop recently and was then able to source some 3-D printed hooks on Vinted very affordably that fit it. Good value and making things come together fills me with joy. The studio provides ample opportunity for this.

I hate tape but I have loads of it

This week I went through my painting rack and found at least nine canvases that I have decided no longer work. I asked a fellow painter to look over them as well to make sure I wasn't making any "rash decisions." I wrote that "one canvas might have a Lynchian promise, but many just feel unfinished - like forced thoughts that didn't materialise." I think they are all getting painted over and any photos of them removed from my archive. I haven't painted over anything in years - but now is the time again. Canvases don't grow on trees and I know I can paint something better or perhaps more meaningful than what is there currently.

I have been walking more this week and taking photos while enjoying the flowers and blooming trees. I also planted my garden - carrots, beets, radish, potatoes, onions, scallions, cabbage, broccoli, courgette, and loads of flowers. It's always a bit of an experiment. I don't worry about it much - I just see what works and what doesn't - no stress. Last year I was delighted with my potatoes and spinach. It's always a creative practice in my square foot garden. I'll keep you updated.

Yesterday, I had the unique opportunity of helping a friend and fellow artist deliver his and his partner's work to a prestigious exhibition. I really enjoyed the experience. It reminded me how comfortable I am around art - handling it with care and wanting it to look its best. Seeing all the work being unloaded from crates and packages in the gorgeous gallery space was a thrill and a comfort, and also a lot of work! It's a good feeling to be able to help someone and I got a lot out of it too. The experience reminded me of where I feel I belong and this is helpful so that I can compare it to the experiences where I feel I don't.

Princes street gardens

Later in the day, I met up with another artist and we enjoyed the sunshine in Princes Street Gardens which is bursting with Spring beauty. We had an important and good chat about art and life and made plans for an art adventure next week.

And on this gorgeous day, that's all I have for you. This post has been brought to you by the sun, a homemade blueberry Matcha, and one song on repeat.

Thanks for being here and please keep fighting for comfort and joy, for all.

Rest before the fall

rest before the fall

21 x 15 cm, mixed media on canvas

© 2023 Megan Chapman

Dear Reader,

Did you go to the UK cinema last weekend to see California Schemin'? If not, make plans to go soon. Hopefully this brilliant film will be released in the USA soon as well. Thanks to everyone who has been excited to see my painting in the film. Having your support and enthusiasm means a lot to me and it is so fun to share this experience with you all.

In other news, I had a bit of a full on week - a lot of "go-go-going" without much time in between things which I usually require and prefer. I am glad the week is behind me. It brings a somewhat gross but catchy song from my childhood to mind, and if you click this you will get to experience it too. 

In the few spare moments, I worked on finishing off a wee series of paintings from 2023 that I always liked but hadn't been able to complete. You know - the boring (but somewhat meditative) bits, such as painting the sides of the canvas, signing, dating, titling, and adding the hanging hardware. I decided I needed to photograph them again too as my previous images just weren't up to par.

It's a dark and textured series, a set of six small canvas works that were the offshoot of a larger series painted in that same year. I have a backlog of unfinished projects that I am trying to get sorted in between my other work and my desire for a bit of fun and a lot more rest.

I went back and read one of my early blog posts from 2007 and decided to take my own advice and I am glad I did. I was reminded that little by little the work gets done and action is always where it's at. A lot can be accomplished in 15 minutes and it all adds up. I am feeling good about the progress I have made.

So, that's how you find me, recovering from the week and taking everything 15 minutes at a time. 

holding everything dear

15 x 21 cm mixed media on canvas

© 2023 Megan Chapman

Until next week, keep fighting - the world needs you and the gifts you bring. Thank you for sharing your time with me.