Totally Rad (you are)

totally rad (you are)

Oh hello there, you'll be happy to know I am on the mend from the wee lurgy. My health has now thankfully returned to mostly normal. 

I have been learning and practicing Qi Gong since June and I am really thankful for what I am learning and how I have been aided by the practice so far. I think it helped me recover from this virus a bit faster. Or maybe it just comforted me while I recovered. I have always been a Yoga person but Qi Gong seems to support me in a different way and I always love learning new things. There's room for both in my life. 

I can't believe we are already nearing the end of September. It was 12 years ago tomorrow on the 26th that I arrived in Scotland for this grand experiment. 

This also means, it's coming to the end of my featured September series. This month, I took a look into my archive of available small works and shared, Weathered. A series of original paintings on rough edged canvas embracing the worn, beautifully broken, and silent. These wee pieces also feature a bit of an autumnal chill - dramatic, sweeping, and abstract yet still of the land and sea and the space between. 

Take a moment to enjoy and purchase these works before the end of the month, as a different series will take the stage in October. 

Weathered 

Until next week, keep fighting (especially like this total badass)! 

With love and gratitude,
Megan 

Let's go!

"Fear is the cheapest room in the house, I'd like to see you living in better conditions." - Hafiz

One day in early November, I was walking through my flat and the solution came to me suddenly. "I know how it all fits - I know how to make this work!" And with that a plan was finally put into motion, not a thought rolling around in my head endlessly, not a problem or a burden but a hopeful and actionable step. 

I gave my notice at Studio G23 at the Out of the Blue Drill Hall at the start of December. After eleven years it was time to move my studio. 

And so I did. I moved by multiple awkward bus trips and several taxis and somehow bit by bit in between work and other engagements, the move was handled. I am very grateful to my pal Julia for helping me on multiple occasions. Her kind partner Robb helped with the last two loads by car. I can't thank them enough. 

I am also thankful to my close friends who unknowingly kept me accountable by reading my updates as I navigated the process. 

Of course, I also had to patch holes, paint, and clean up the old studio. And even though I haven't recorded a Tuesday Studio Video Visit in ages, I recorded a sign off before I turned off the lights and said my last goodbye to my old studio. 

Memories and ghosts 

Studio G23: December 2014 - December 2025

Once at the new space, I had to set it all up again and reconfigure things. I am not going to lie it was a hell of a lot of work - but also very exciting. All my paintings and materials are back together in one place! I can now work in a light filled space with instant access. A missing piece has been returned and just in time for Christmas and New Year - the ultimate gift to myself. Let me introduce you to my new studio! Join me in my excitement as I begin this new chapter.

space to dream and work

everything in its right place

I still have some fine tuning to do on the new space, furniture to add or take away, and works on paper to organise better, but I am very excited to move forward and return to my work in this space in the new year. I think there will be a bit of a reintroduction of myself and my work, updates to make to my website, and hopefully better ways for us to connect online and in person over my work!

I am thankful to everyone who has made this possible: friends, family, co-workers, my awesome landlady, and my generous ko-fi supporters (Jennifer, Tamsin, Jennifer, and Annie) and of course, my long term patrons. I am also thankful to myself for never giving up and for my resolute dedication to art. It's ridiculously hard to be an artist in a society that doesn't always value or understand what we're on the planet to do, particularly in a culture that often exploits creativity yet still demands gratitude.

I will never forget those who have supported and recognised my work over the years and have made this path just a little bit easier. Thank you. 

Until next week (or year) keep fighting. We need you and the gifts you bring. 
Here's a song for you. 
__________________

PS. I know that I usually write the year end review post on the last Friday of December, but I am leading with the new studio because I'd rather look forward or be in the now (and next week - I will see what the fuss was about in 2025). Looks like we are already shaking things up! Happy New Year when the time comes - and thanks for your support.

Ask questions, raise hell, and look ugly doing it.

Well, last week's post went down a storm. Thank you to all who read it here on my blog and across my social media channels. It was good to hear from so many of you who felt the same way. It was illuminating in who and in how folks responded. And it made me realise a few things. 

The artists who are worried about adding to the glut, really don't need to be. Because you are not. It is just like us to think that we are though, but again - we are not. Do not make more space for the glut fillers by removing yourself and your skilled and thoughtful work.

Do not disappear. Plant your feet, broaden your shoulders and link up. Find each other, protect your art, and advocate for yourself and your true peers.  

T A K E. 

U P. 

S P A C E.

Be raw, unfinished, dirty, and sick. Ask questions, raise hell, and look ugly doing it. 

This isn't a vanity project, this is our fucking life. This is our art - an extension of ourselves. This isn't a choice. This is blood. 

We don't do it for the bots, or the bloated likes and follows, we have no choice. 

So let's not pretend that we could ever fit into an algorithm.

Show up like we did before the world's stage was in everyone's back pocket. 

Find your true kin and give them your time and attention. Find yourself.

Your work is too good to doubt or to hide. Show them how it is done - your way. 

See you there.

A Closer Look Continues

A selection of my small framed works on canvas as part of A Closer Look

The exhibition was installed on Tuesday and is always the case - the artwork of the resident and affiliated artists of the drill hall clicked into place like a puzzle. With over 16 participating artists, there is a great selection of work on display. We had a lovely wine reception on Wednesday night and we enjoyed some tunes and some banter on the rainy evening. Thanks to everyone who came out to support us.

Besides the work on the walls and in the jewellery case, we also have a selection of prints, cards, and even some small originals available for purchase towards the back of the exhibition at our sales table. So do make sure to have a rummage through the racks so you don't miss some bargains.

I love the strength and variety of my peers' work on show together. It's been so great for us to get to know each other better over these last two exhibitions. It feels more like a proper community of artists currently and that is a great feeling.

The video above is a quick guided tour and the video below is a super quick jazzy taster. Remember though if you are local and able, nothing is better than seeing the show with your own eyes. 

A Closer Look
Wednesday 13th - Saturday 23rd September (Not Sunday) 

The Out of the Blue Drill Hall, 36 Dalmeny Street, Leith EH6 8RG

Participating artists include: (Follow on Instagram)
@megan.chapman.artist
@aoife_in_leith
@catherinegiselleart
@felicityinkpen
@danmurrayartist
@jesscrisp1
@needle__bow_by_miss_modeuse
@elainewilsonvisualart
@mairimacsweendesigns
@thecityworkshop
@kategeorgedesign
@preciousmetalsworkshop
@remodecollective
@timbremnerart
@i.am.abi.art
@solencollet

Thanks for your support - until next week, go see some art and keep fighting! 

Exhibition news! A Closer Look

Poster artwork by Kate George Design
Printed by Outoftheblueprint

A Closer Look 
Wednesday 13th - Saturday 23rd September 

Hours: 10am-5pm

Opening Reception Wednesday 13th of September from 6-8pm

Join us for drinks and nibbles

36 Dalmeny Street, Leith EH6 8RG

Following the success of Outside + In in May, the talented studio artists of the Out of the Blue Drill Hall have joined forces again to bring you, A Closer Look. You are guaranteed a friendly welcome and a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy paintings, drawings, prints, illustrations, jewellery, photography, mixed media works, textile pieces and more. There will be art for all to enjoy as we invite you to take a closer look. 

Participating artists include: (give these artists a follow on Instagram)

• Megan Chapman
• Aoife in Leith
• Catherine Giselle
• Felicity Inkpen
• Dan Murray
• Jessica Crisp
• Needle Bow
• Elaine Wilson
• Mairi MacSween Designs
• Tamar Whitson
• Kate George Design
• Precious Metals Workshop
• Remode Collective
• Tim Bremner
• Abi Lewis
• Solen Collet

You make my heart sing : Look what we did!

Thanks to eight lovely art patrons and many shares across social media, in less than one week, we were able to raise £495 to help Bikes for Refugees Scotland. This donation will put nine bikes on the road and give refugees a warm welcome and free transportation. Together we made a difference! Thank you very much, you really do make my heart sing with your generosity. I made the donation earlier this week. I am honoured to be able to use my work in this way and grateful for my patron's support. Thank you!



I received this record of our donation yesterday.

In other news, inspired and feeling supported, I worked on six small works on deep canvas this week. I would say these are still in progress but there was something I liked enough of about them to document them at this stage.

They are 20x20x4cm/8x8x1.5” and have a springy vibe but to be honest the colours may be a bit jacked up in these phone snaps. Stay tuned...

Oh and in other news, read this book by Viv Albertine and perhaps listen to this podcast, what she says about women in the arts (all sorts) is spot on in my opinion and I am grateful that she gives this voice. 

I apologise for being a bit absent on the blogging front, some astute readers may notice that I have gone back and filled in all the gaps this year. 2019 is now up to date and I feel a sense of relief. I love this old blog of mine and I aim to do better by it some longer think pieces coming soon. 

Rise up, wake up, make a difference, use what you have. Keep fighting, we need you!

With sincere gratitude and love, 

Megan

Set my soul on fire : Bikes for Refugees

Okay, Let's do this! Let's put some bikes on the road for refugees here in Scotland! I am very excited to use my art in this way. This sort of thing sets my soul on fire. 
Learn more about the charity: http://bikesforrefugees.scot/ Here are the paintings: 

All fired up...

Today, I was driving home and a more obscure Clash song, "Ivan meets GI Joe" from their album Sandinista came on the radio, and I was overjoyed. It isn't one of my favorite songs but it still got me excited and then I starting to wonder why I felt that way.

First, the song is catchy. Second, the Clash will always be towards the top of my list. Third, the song is not the usual fodder for the college radio station, as the track is from an album from 1980. The real reason behind my joy...is that listening to that song on the radio gives me a sense of identity and community.

Okay... so what am I talking about?

There are artists in my town and probably your town too who are searching for a sense of identity and community, and they are having a hard time finding it. I live in a nice town, with a University, an arts center, a few galleries, and occasionally, many art events. Culture is touted as a amenity here. We have the Arts festival, Art Market, Art Amiss, BFA & MFA students, professional artists, gallery owners, a few arts collectives, and art lovers all here in this nice little melting pot, but somehow we aren't always melting.

Over the years, there have been meetings of the minds, ideas for studio spaces, and valiant attempts at promoting the arts and culture in this town. Some of us get involved when we can, and some complain about what is not here and yet do nothing. Some of us do both. Then, some of us are on the fringe and don't know about the meetings, or the groups that are trying to do something. Some of us keep our mouths shut as not to offend.

Well, I say enough! There has got to be a grass roots way to get us out of our homes, studios, sometimes cliquish events, and get us together in the same room talking about what we really need and want for ourselves and each other as artists.

I am talking about getting together for fun and community. Of course, not all groups of people are going to get along. Unfortunately, some people are going to think someone doesn't belong in the mix. Labels will be thrown around- crafts, quilts, pottery, fine art, abstract, installation, amateur, - there will be no pleasing all for sure. We all have our styles and our personalities. I still think we need to know one another and be aware of each other's work and aspirations.

My ultimate desire, is that I can keep doing what I am doing, making, showing, selling, and talking about art. However, I want to do that with a vibrant community of artists, talking together, sharing our successes and failures, obstacles, and desires. I want to be a part of an inclusive and connected group of proactive artists.

Anyone want to get together and talk about making art? This means you!

See "Subterranean" at the DDP gallery
7 East Mountain St. Fayetteville.
Open: W-F 12-7 and Sat. 10-5
and by appointment.

"Intuition" Works by Megan Chapman and Helen Phillips
August 15- September 29 2007