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

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.

Adventures in art and life!

On the site of the National Mining Museum Scotland

Hello Dear Readers!

It's time once again for the Friday Studio Blog! In real time no less, and on schedule!

Thank you to everyone who has spent some time catching up on my 15 backdated entries. In case you missed them, those entries started here and ended here. It was a real labour of love to catch up on my blog and I appreciate those who invested some of their time reading up on the good, sad, and art related posts. Thank you.

This week finds me recovering from back to back migraines that pretty much ran the show from Tuesday - Thursday but finally by Friday I was very tentatively able to get out for a wee art adventure!

But before we get to today, I want to mention the exhibition launch that I attended last night online for In Tension by members of Neuk Collective at Fife Contemporary. 

From the Fife Contemporary website: "In Tension is an online exhibition produced in collaboration with 16 neurodivergent artists from Neuk Collective. Encapsulating the divide felt by many neurodivergent artists between multiple contradicting factors, the exhibition explores the balance between external pressures and the need to find space where a creative, neurodivergent brain can make work and flourish." 

After a week of not feeling my best, it was really lovely to spend an hour being treated to conversations from some of the participating artists and a taster of some of the work featured online from the comfort of my home. I highly recommend that you all visit the online exhibition, In Tension, here. Congratulations go out to everyone involved. 

Now on to today's adventure. I got the tram to Waverley and then the train to Newtongrange to meet up with my pal and fellow artist, Julia Laing! It was delightful to spend time in Julia's studio and environs. I stood in her sunny kitchen as she made our lunch and enjoyed the light and atmosphere - I was suddenly feeling California vibes in Newtongrange! 

After our garden lunch I asked if we could sit in her enticing studio for a cup of tea. I love nothing more than sitting at a table with another artist in their studio space. Julia's studio is a functional and bright space bursting with colour, texture, and possibilities, much like her art! It was great to see her recent drawings in person (and meet the subjects). 

Julia graciously allowed me to take a few snapshots of her studio as well as her portrait. I have been wanting to take more pictures of my friends these days. So rather than being quiet about it, I am gently asking and I am so glad Julia agreed. 

Julia

It was lovely to see where all the magic happens - I left Newtongrange feeling inspired and reinvigorated. Once I returned home, I texted Julia to say I felt 100% better than before our meet up. I believe that's the power of adventures, art, and friends!

Here's to more of that this summer and to wild creative spaces, new ideas, and joy!
Because why the hell not.

Until next week, keep fighting!

And in case you are wondering what I have been listening to on my big headphones on repeat this week, it's Always Then by The KVB. Enjoy.

Exhibition news and a bit of backstory

Time spent as someone else

Mixed media on canvas

40x50cm

Megan Chapman

£645

On Thursday night, I was "making the scene" at the 30th Anniversary Celebration of the Out of the Blue Drill Hall in Leith. It was a large event celebrating the history and just some of the talent that has been a part of making the Drill Hall a storied arts venue.

There were loads of people and lovely food and drinks provided by the incredible cafe staff. The event focused on a stage offering up a rousing performance by All or Nothing aerial dance company set to a remixed cover of Lesley Gore's You Don't Own Me, there was a scene from "Made to Connect" a play written by Duncan Kidd and performed by Active Inquiry. There was ethereal music provided by a talented member of the Clarsach Society. And of course, there was a DJ. New celebratory banners hung high above, created by the Out of the Blueprint, and buckets hung from the ceiling in a bright display. There was also an art exhibition by several resident studio artists. 

The participating artists included:

Felicity Inkpen @felicityinkpen

Solen Collet @solencollet

Cluster Studio 

Elaine Wilson  @elainewilsonvisualart

Daniel Murray @danmurrayartist

Megan Chapman @megan.chapman.artist

Mairi MacSween @mairimacsweendesigns

Catherine Giselle @catherinegiselleart

Precious Metals Workshop: featuring work by Amanda McGrattan, Cameron Murdoch, Eve Smith, and others. 

It was good to see my peers and have some laughs. The residents' exhibition was installed this past Tuesday & Wednesday and it comes down on Saturday, June 1st at 5pm. Blink and you will miss it - so don't blink! 

My blog is being posted a bit late, so if you are reading this on Saturday, June 1st and you are near Edinburgh, you have from 10am - 5pm today to enjoy the show. Pop in, have a coffee, and see some art in a bright, airy, and historic place. 

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

Now that we have the particulars squared away, I am going to tell you a little about the work I decided to share in the exhibition from my series All The Ways.

Stolen moments

Mixed media on canvas

40x50cm

Megan Chapman

£645

I wrote this about the work at the time.

"Colour has always been extremely important to me. Even though the bulk of this series seems to be covered over with a neutral grey, there are ochres, greens, blues, pinks, Payne's grey and charcoals dancing or wrestling together. The colours are flickering, sputtering, jumping, and clawing their way up out of the grey. There is a faded beauty, something beneath the surface dripping and aching yet energetic, always making its way through the grey. Sometimes the grey is well-known and comforting in its nothingness. This is a series about resilience." 

This series was created in 2017 during the first year of Donald Trump's presidency in the United States. 

The pink was unusual within my more standard palette and its use was a form of rebellion. Trump was in the white house and wreaking havoc. As the world seemed to be getting darker by the minute, I grabbed the pink.

At the time, I didn't talk about this series being a direct reaction to what was happening in American politics - couching it in terms of resilience was easier and seemed more palatable. I think I told a few close friends and trusted patrons, and then I kept it to myself. 

Back to the present - I arrived home from the event and checked the news. There was another reason to celebrate. Donald Trump was found guilty in a court of law. 

It seems more than fitting that these are the selections on display. 

The art never lies.

To hide the best parts

Mixed media on canvas

40x40cm

Megan Chapman

£550

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

Feels like September

This busted chair feels like September

Hello, Dear Readers, 

Well, there is no denying that people are fascinated with AI. Last week's blog proved popular and outranked several of my recent posts.  

I won't be using AI this week and I am happy to be sitting here in front of my computer listening to music and contemplating which thoughts to share with you. This studio blog is part of my art practice and after sixteen years, it's part of my life - even if and when the "robots" can do it better. 

It's September and the tea is still tasting good as the light starts to shift and the darkness shows up faster than I would like. For the blog this week, I thought a cultural roundup was in order. I used to do this back in the day - share the things that were inspiring, teaching, and or reminding me of who I am or who I want to be. 

Let's see: 

Podcasts: 

Working Class History: 

I just listened to E21-24: WCH Crime: The Columbia Eagle Mutiny - "about the hijacking of a ship full of napalm by two anti-war US sailors during the Vietnam war." I thought this was well done and I enjoyed listening to Alvin Glatkowski tell his amazing story. I enjoyed learning about something I knew nothing about. 

I am currently listening to another podcast produced by Working Class History. I just started E27-29: Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners - "about the young LGBT+ people who transformed the workers’ movement supporting the UK strike of coal miners in 1984-5." Give them a listen! Our world is filled with such courageous people creating change sometimes at great personal cost. I am thankful for them.

For a bit of fun, I also enjoyed listening to "Who Robs A Banksy?" A six-part series revolving around a true character by the name of Andy Link."In 2004, he kidnapped one of Banksy’s pieces of art in broad daylight from the middle of central London, and held it to ransom." You will have to listen to hear how it all plays out.

Books: 

America Over the Water by Shirley Collins. I read this earlier in the summer and really enjoyed learning about Shirley Collin's role in helping Alan Lomax get all those Southern recordings. If you are in Edinburgh - I picked my copy at Good Vibes in Leith - a super friendly record and book shop. They have great incense too. Check them out!

HELLSANS by Ever Dundas. You might not think that a story about a typeface that causes grotesque sickness in some and euphoria in others set in a dystopian future would be the book that would offer me solace as I slowly recovered from COVID-19, but you would be wrong. I clung to this book for three solid days. I badly needed to disappear from my reality and into another and Ever made that easy. This book also changed the way I relate to technology and helped me to explore some of my beliefs about myself and where I fit into this world. Reading HELLSANS reminded me of myself at 16 staying up all night eating saltine crackers and salsa while devouring Alan Moore's The Watchmen. Thank you, Ever. 

Occupy! Occupy! Occupy!: A People's History of Occupation. This 36-page comic book helped get me acquainted with the occupations that have taken place in Scotland from 1940-2021. That's an amazing feat to capture in 36 pages! What a great resource directly from the voices that took part. This is really well done and I highly recommend picking up a copy. A bargain at just a fiver! Solidarity!

BADASS HABITS by Jen Sincero. Oh no, a self-help book - who let this one in here?! Whatever - I read it and I followed along for 3 weeks as it prompted and well, it helped me. Some of it was good and some of it was yucky but it did help me figure out a few things. So, maybe it will help you.

Films: (A bit of a theme here)

Matewan
Salt of the Earth
Norma Rae
The Take
At the River, I Stand
Sunset Boulevard

TV:

Heartstopper

Only Murders in the Building

Reservation Dogs

Dark Winds

Music:

I listen to Dave Brubeck every morning while I eat my porridge. This song comes on first (I mean if that doesn't set the tone - I don't know what does).

Currently, I listen to Christian Löffler's Haul on repeat while I am out walking. You know I am listening to a variety of music all the damn time - so I am not going to get into all that. :) Some of you, even have access to my playlists - I know you are long overdue an update. Thanks for your patience.

I hope you have enjoyed this culture round-up. I had to take a break from writing it to walk over for a wee meeting about an upcoming group exhibition at the Drill Hall later this month with my studio peers. See, I fit a bit of art talk in there. I will tell you all about it next week - so you can put it in your diaries and join us.

Thanks for popping by the old studio blog. If you enjoy my blog or appreciate these particular recommendations consider leaving me a tip. Please share what is inspiring you in the comments. Until next week, keep fighting! 

Exhibition News! Outside + In

EXHIBITION NEWS! 

Join us for Outside + In featuring the work of the Out of the Blue Drill Hall makers and artists.

The exhibition will be held from the 15th-20th of May 2023 from 10am-5pm, with a reception on Wednesday the 17th of May from 5:30 - 7:30pm. The Out of the Blue Drill Hall is located at 36 Dalmeny Street, EH6 8RG. All are welcome!

Here are just some of the participant's Instagram handles (check them out, give them a follow, and come to the show and see the work in person and meet the artists!). There is sure to be something for everyone and a fun and easy-going scene. See you there!

@hamillustration
@bethanyillustration
@mairimacsweendesigns
@timbremnerart
@catherinegiselleart
@megan.chapman.artist
@jesscrisp1
@cam_life_designs
@preciousmetalsworkshop
@mandmcgrattan
@twincitypictures
@aoife_in_leith
@mapplyco
@felicityinkpen
@danmurrayartist

I will be showing a selection of works from my series, "Our Favourite Mistakes." 

For what it's worth
Mixed media on canvas
61x76cm
© Megan Chapman

A place to breathe
Mixed media on canvas
61x76cm
© Megan Chapman

Our favourite mistakes
Mixed media on canvas
60x76cm
© Megan Chapman



You wouldn't just let it burn
Mixed media on canvas and white wood frame
70.5x86cm
© Megan Chapman

As some of you may have noticed, I fell behind on my blog and I haven't been using social media that much with all that has been going on in my life. I have now caught up, so please go back and read the previous posts you may have missed. Thank you for your support and care and for those that have checked on me.

Here is an easy clickable list of those entries.
Friday, March 10, 2023: See you later
Friday, March 17, 2023: Rest in Power
Friday, March 24, 2023: Looking Back: Ghosts of the Past
Friday, March 31, 2023:Radical Dreaming in Art for a Better Future
Friday, April 7, 2023: I shared this one on social media and many of you read it.
Friday, April 14, 2023: I shared this one on social media and many of you read it.
Friday, April 21, 2023: In this World
Friday, April 28, 2023: My Warrior, My Champion is Gone
Friday, May 5, 2023:  Without an Anchor
And then today (this post). 

Thank you for reading and for your support. 

If you are local to Edinburgh, I will be sitting the above-mentioned Outside + In exhibition from 3-5pm on Monday and Wednesday and also attending the reception on Wednesday night from 5:30-7:30. It would be lovely to see you there.

Last chance to view: Divinations, Declarations and Whispers

Whew! This week! This past month really. Whew, deep breath in, deep breath out... My sweet cat Theo has been unwell and has been under veterinarian care since Tuesday morning. He is due to come home from the hospital later today. The chronic kidney disease is progressing and that's the reality. I can't wait to get him back home from the hospital later today. 

All my thoughts have been on him so I haven't been promoting the fact that today is the last day of my exhibition "Divinations, Declarations and Whispers" online at Starling & Campbell. I also missed posting my Tuesday Studio Video Visit for the past two weeks. Go have a rummage around my YouTube channel and please subscribe if you haven't. 

Theo comes first - I am sure you understand. 

However, if you haven't yet visited the exhibition, or if you want to go back so you can float around the gallery from face to face and really dive in and see them as you would in person, then please visit the exhibition today. They are all waiting for you there. I am delighted that so many of you were able to visit the exhibition in this way. I will try to have more exhibitions in this way, perhaps quarterly along with some salon-style virtual studio sale events. 

Visit the exhibition today: bit.ly/starlingcampbell

Also I enjoyed creating a special line of t-shirts and totes to mark the ocassion of the exhibition - thank you to everyone who has purchased one - it really helps to support me, my art, and my wonderful cat. Buy T-shirts and Totes: https://gutlessapparel.teemill.com

And of course, my wee shop is still stocked with my prints, smaller orginal works on paper and canvas, and even framed small works. I know I have been pushing the sales lately and my blog has been less about the thoughts around creating the work. The thoughts will come again soon - when I start making new work in the new year. 

Thanks for your patience and thanks for your views, likes, shares, subscribes and purchases and your kind encouraging words. It all adds up and keeps me working. I am grateful for the opportunity. 

Like the art I create and share? Leave me a tip!

Special thanks and appreciation to my Ko-fi Supporters. 

These wonderful folks have supported me over on Ko-fi in the last 30 days: 

Jennifer Libby Fay, Tamsin Haggis, Pat Bremner, Jen Arbuckle, and Muriel Prince.

I will be posting my December Playlist for my supporters soon!! xx

Thanks to all of my patrons near and far, past, present, and future. 

And here's what it's all about... Oor wee Theo. 

Theo is the best curator and friend

Wear your art on your sleeve! Exhibition T-shirts and Totes!

Setting the scene at my exhibition currently at Starling & Campbell

Last weekend's opening of Divinations, Declarations and Whispers was just incredible! Thank you to everyone who came along and who shared the exhibition across social media and beyond. It is a joy to present this body of work to you all in this manner and to connect with communities old and new, and patrons near and far. I am delighted to share that 1,214 visitors from over 10 countries have visited in the first week and two pieces have sold! Thank you all so much for your enthusiasm and support for this body of work and this exhibition. I can't tell you how happy it makes me! Special thanks to all the early collectors of my "accidental portraits" from 2017 until now while those works flew mostly under the radar. 

For those that might need a bit of tech support or personal guidance for navigating this online-only exhibition, I created the Tuesday Studio Video Visit just for you. Click HERE if you missed it.

The exhibition is on for a month, so if you haven't yet paid it a visit or if you want to spend some more time lingering in Starling & Campbell - please feel free to visit as often as you wish. Do your favourite pieces change from viewing to viewing? The gallery is open when you are. https://bit.ly/starlingcampbell 

In other exciting exhibition-related news, I am pleased to now offer a selection of exhibition t-shirts and totes! These are available in a unisex standard fit size XS-XXXXL and in a fitted style in UK sizes 8-18 (please check the size chart if you are ordering from outside the UK). 

Click here to shop! https://gutlessapparel.teemill.com/ These t-shirts and totes make great eco-friendly gifts for yourself or a loved one and are also a great way to support my work. Thank you. 

Exhibition selections!

And that's all I have for you this week. Thank you again to all my patrons near and far, I couldn't do this work without you. Until next week, enjoy Divinations, Declarations, and Whispers and stay warm and well. 

Divinations, Declarations, and Whispers OPENS TODAY!!

I am delighted to share news of my latest exhibition opening TODAY! Please join me for Divinations, Declarations, and Whispers. November 11- December 9, 2022. Featuring twenty-two portraits created this year in my studio at the Out of the Blue Drill Hall in Edinburgh, Scotland. This is my first exhibition of portraiture in my 27 years of dedication to abstract painting and I am thrilled to share these works with my collectors and patrons all over the world in this accessible, digital format. All works are for sale with free international and local shipping included in the price. Join me throughout the next four weeks as we get to know these faces in all their mystery and splendour, together at a distance. Get a drink and some nibbles and click here to attend! 

Statement: 

Wobbly cheeks, eyes impatient and smudged, mouths quick and dirty - that's how I work - I don't have time to waste. Spirits come forward. Rude and rushed - poor and floating - they become one. Are they kings, queens, or something in between? What are they thinking? Do they know something we don't? 

We all like a face - even one we don't know and one we don't understand. These faces are often not of any particular race or gender, and some hold a different standard of beauty with their smeared eyes and mouths. Some are wrapped up in emotion, power, or curiosity. 

These portraits express the past eight years of my life in Scotland. Sharing fragments of self, various characters, feelings, and my thoughts captured in an impulsive charcoal line. This exhibition culminates in a personal expressive rebellion and showcases the faces that jumped to the front of the queue.

https://bit.ly/starlingcampbell