I am a volcano

These are the first drawing or paintings I’ve done since June 12th. That's about a 3-week break. My skin felt like it was boiling from the inside out. You might say well then why didn’t you just make something? Good question. I think I stop to 1) rest and percolate. and 2) to remember how important this is for my life.

I am a volcano. I am headphones and joy division. I am charcoal and paper and unlimited cups of tea. I am a fever, I am electricity. It builds and builds and builds. I am a good woman until I am not. I'd like to run through the forest and throw rocks. I'd like to smash and kick the air. I'd like to scream from my guts until it shakes the trees. 

Instead, I'll draw. I will borrow your rock and roll smash it up energy safely from my sofa. I will screw up my face as I make the dark lines and I will break the charcoal instead. I will turn it up loud and I will disappear safely in your decades-old guitar sound and my heart will become the bass and I will go away in order to come back to myself again.

And each time it will be new, a revelation - a raw delight. I will close my eyes and shake my head and realise that no one gets to feel this but me. There is no way to make you understand so I don't even have to try to explain. What freedom. I'll step into your screams and take them as my own, I will wear your rage as a cloak and I will keep drawing. 

The cards fall into place

The weather was gorgeous as I dropped off art to two galleries in different parts of Edinburgh. After each drop-off, I got to enjoy a beautiful scenic walk and soak in the sun and the autumnal beauty. That alone would make a brilliant week. The icing on the cake was scoring last minute tickets to a reading by one of my literary idols, Armistead Maupin. I must say I am delightfully gobsmacked.

Tuesday, I recorded my studio visit video on the importance of showing up, doing the work, and being ready for any opportunity. You can see it again here if you missed it on my Facebook art page.

On Wednesday I took two new small works over to Union gallery for the exhibition, Welcome to the Jungle. This exhibition is to raise awareness and funds to help protect orangutans. 10% of all sales will be donated to help these majestic creatures.

The exhibition will contain new work from artists Jenny Matthews, Barbara Franc, Susie Christie, Christine Clark, Imogen Alabaster, Megan Chapman, Ruth Addinall, Carl Newman, Carol Read and Richard Ballantyne.

Join us for the preview on Saturday the 28th
4-6pm.

Welcome to the Jungle
28.10.17 - 25.11.17
Union Gallery
4 Drumsheugh Place, Edinburgh, EH3 7PT
Monday - Saturday: 10.30 - 5.30pm
Closed Sundays

Here are the two pieces I will have in the important and varied exhibition.

Deep Within
Mixed media on Canvas
20x20x4cm
2017 Megan Chapman

To Be Wild and Free
Mixed media on Canvas
20x20x4cm
2017 Megan Chapman

On Thursday, I took two new paintings over to The Velvet Easel Gallery in Portobello for their latest mixed exhibition, Winters Edge. This exciting exhibition opens on Saturday, November 4th and runs through 25th of February. After participating in the previous exhibition, I was delighted to be asked back.

Join us for the opening on Saturday, November 4th from 10-5. There will be drinks and nibbles and perhaps artists popping in throughout the day. I plan to be there for a bit for sure.

Winters Edge
4.11.17 - 25.2.18
The Velvet Easel Gallery
298 Portobello High Street
Portobello, Edinburgh EH15 2AS
Thursday - Saturday: 10.00 - 5.00pm
Sunday 12-5pm

Here are the two pieces I will have in the exhibition. 

My Heart Divided
Mixed media on Canvas
41x51x4cm
2016 Megan Chapman

Hiding In Plain Sight
Mixed media on Canvas
41x51x4cm
2016 Megan Chapman

In addition to these exhibitions, I will be participating in two other group shows coming up soon and I will tell you more about them as it gets closer to the time. This all feels very good, and just after three years of living here, it feels like the cards are finally starting to fall into place. Long may it continue.

Last, but certainly not least, this week I got to meet and hear my favorite author, Armistead Maupin in St. Andrews this afternoon on his tour for his memoir Logical Family. 

I sadly found out only Monday that he was on tour here in Scotland and also that the tickets in Edinburgh were completely sold out. Thanks to our friend James and his fast detective work, we found out that Mr. Maupin would also be speaking in St Andrews about 50 miles away and that there were still tickets. We jumped at the chance. After a scenic train and bus journey, we had a bit of time to enjoy the gorgeous sunfilled village and its ruins before the event. 

We got front row seats and I was completely spellbound for an hour as we listened to him read from his book and then expand on his own experiences and take questions from the audience. I laughed until I cried and was filled with pure electric joy. It was an honor to meet someone who I have read, quoted, and admired for over 20 years. His characters have comforted and inspired me and have become part of my logical family. Never in a million years did I think I would have this opportunity. I was so giddy, I forgot how to spell out my own name as he signed the book. I still can't quite believe my good fortune and I can't wait to read his memoir. 

Somedays the world seems like it has completely gone to hell, and somedays the world seems like a light-filled orb, with boundless energy, laughter, and goodness. This is the world I got to live in this week and I am grateful. 

Until next week, be ready for opportunities, be ready to make new plans, and to perhaps meet your dreams. You never know what's coming next.

Play it again!

New work from the studio this week

I started the week in the studio with one song on repeat at full blast on my headphones. I played this song for probably 3 hours or more. My hearing was impaired for the rest of the week but damn if I didn't get some painting done. I also made my Tuesday Studio Video Visit. If you missed it, click here. 

New work from the studio this week

What song did I listen to? This trance inducing number, "Circles" from 2010 by The Soft Moon. I have used this song and this band in this way before. I often go back to pieces of music that have worked in the past to get me to the place I need to be to paint the work I need to paint.


I repeat different songs for different things. Right now as I write, I am listening to Blur's Sing. I sometimes paint to this as well.

Do you do this too? How important is music to your painting practice or painting to your music practice? Do you use other forms of art to make your work whatever it may be? How about the repetitive aspect? I would love to hear about it if so.

If you listen to these two songs I think you will find similarities and perhaps see why they work for me. I like driving, repetitive sounds but with a good amount of noise, a touch of dreaminess and minimal words. I think this helps me focus on the essentials. Music is the ultimate alchemy and I remain under its spell.

New work from the studio this week

In other news, I am delighted that my painting, The New Language, sold from The Velvet Easel in Portobello yesterday! It will always make my day, perhaps even my week or month, when I sell a painting. I will always feel the thrill of it just like I did the very first time I made a sale years ago. I am grateful when someone sees my work and chooses it for their life. It means so much to me, spurs me on, and encourages me. I am headed into this weekend filled with gratitude. Thanks, patrons!

The New Language, Acrylic on canvas, 76x51x4cm/30x20x1.5" Sold 

Until next week, keep fighting. The world needs you, and your art.

This was April

A Manual for living : A ten page guide

detail © 2010 Megan Chapman

April was kind and filled with surprises. I am grateful that I keep a blog to remind me of what I actually manage to accomplish in a month. I think artists are so good at ignoring what we actually do, because many times while we are working we are also sitting, staring, napping, dreaming and zoning out in one manner or another. I believe a lot of magic happens in those down times and lulls, no matter how frustrating it feels when we are going through them. I slept a lot and strangely, and took some personal days away from the studio this month. I attempted to take better care of myself and some days were healthier than others, but at the end of the month I can look back and still feel quite proud of myself.

I completed 4 new paintings in the new white series this month that I am very happy with. I sold ten paintings this month. I had three photographs accepted into a juried exhibition and worked on a grant application. I had many great conversations about art and life with friends near and far. I worked on things concerning the Underground studios; I attended meetings. I kept a type of journal, took photographs, took time away from facebook, listened to a lot of great new music, and enjoyed walking around town and the sweet smell of spring on the wind. In a nut shell, I was very inspired and productive this month, and because of this I am grateful.

Thank you all.

Now, let's see what May holds...