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.

Paper: Shape Shifting Across Time

Memory Serves,
mixed media on paper
29.7 x 42 cm (11.69 x 16.54 in)
£125 

Headphones on. One song on repeat. Here I am baby. In the new year. 

Dancing in. Walking in. Meditating in. Here I am. 

Singing to all the old songs loudly. 

Doing it all a bit differently. You'll see. I'll see. 

I'll feel it. I hope you will too.

Thanks to everyone who read the 2023 in-review blog last week. Thanks for your lovely feedback on the socials and via messages. You are very kind and encouraging and I am lucky to be in a community with you. Happy New Year. 

This month, I am focussing on my work on paper. Even more specifically, I am going to focus on 8 works on paper. 

I am clearing the decks but for these pieces. You can see them all on my artwork archive site, as they are all ready to walk out the door and into their new lives with you this month. Like little fledglings or paper planes from my heart to yours. Flying around the corner or around the world. Colour, power, line, shape-shifting across time.

To be better understood and given their due. You can go look at them all together right now or you can stay tuned and on Instagram and Facebook, they will be revealed daily. 

Thank you to those of you who see me and truly understand. 

A sequence of webs #2
mixed media on paper
29.7 x 42 cm (11.69 x 16.54 in)
Sold

Obviously not me

I am behind on my blog and it drives me a bit crazy so I thought I would at least catch up with one and make some progress. I can partially blame my lack of writing on the fact that the previous two blogs were scheduled to be posted on Christmas and New Years Day. Who is going to write or read an art blog on a holiday? Obviously not me. 

So here we are, I will check-in today and work backward (the December 25th blog is mostly written already - it's the year in review blog so it is easy for it to become overwhelming). 

I have not yet painted or drawn anything in the new year. It is the 8th day of January and I am not too worried about it. I can feel the work bubbling up, it is almost to my fingertips, but not quite yet. There has been the post-holiday haze, more horrible covid news, and an insurrection to process from back home. I focus on walking, nature, films, music, dumb shit on the internet, and cooking good food. I focus on chatting with friends and family (ps. check in on your people). If you don't have people, consider me one. How are you doing? Check-in and let me know. I do care. Yes, really. These things seem important just now. 

The work is coming and it will pour when it does, I am resting just a little longer first. 

Thank you to everyone who drops by here and to everyone who supported me and my work in 2020. You all are bloody amazing. I am so thankful to have you in my corner. It makes all the difference in the world.

Take care and best wishes for this crazy new year. 

Love, 

Megan 

The practice of being human

 Today is the start of the New Year. 2021

Last night:

Six bonfires on the wee beach, laughter and chatter in the distance, the moon and stars above, waves lapping in the background. Counting down minutes, watching the local fireworks displays all around and hearing the ships’ horns bellow at midnight.

I walked 116.30 miles in December. I have not been painting much since I completed my most recent small works on paper. But I have been walking. I think walking is becoming a part of my practice now. The practice of being human, the practice of meditation, practice of being an artist, practice for being in this world and walking through all the events of these strange days.

The pavement is my guide, the birds and trees are my friends. One step forward and then another. The sun holds my hand. I breathe into nature’s embrace. Ever thankful.

There is time for everything and for new ways of being and seeing. Soon I will paint again. Happy New Year, May you be safe, happy, and healthy. 

Thanks for stopping by. 

New work and inspiration round up!

Thanks to everyone who read my year-end review blog and took the time to comment. I really appreciate everyone's coments and support. I will announce the winner of the small painting at the end of this post. 

This week has been spent mostly in the studio exploring the beginnings of what I think is a new series, currently there are five paintings on the go and that feels great. Some folks have commented that they are a bit different, a bit dark, or wild. I know where these paintings come from and don't worry they are firmly in my lineage of work. Some elements are from over twenty years ago and some elements are from last month and of course there is expansion and new growth. They are raw power. 

I have been listening to music such as L7, 7 Year Bitch, Bikini Kill, Julie Ruin and the like while working. Loaded brushes are flying and there is a wee bit more black than white this time around. The circular shapes sometimes representing conversations on the ether, relationships, or spirit energy, have returned - obscured, charred, and dark. We watch them rise. 

Besides working in the studio and walking for miles, I have had the good fortune of taking in some excellent exhibitions in Edinburgh. 

Andy Warhol and Eduardo Paolozzi | I want to be a machine.  This was a great exhibition, local favourite and Leither, Paolozzi, pairs well (and holds his own) with Warhol.  It was a much more comprehensive exhibition than I was expecting. Click on the title to watch short videos and to read more about the show from the National Gallery of Scotland's website. 

NOW | Monster Chetwynd, Henry Coombes, Moyna Flannigan, Betye Saar, Wael Shawky. This was a fine exhibition, the work of Moyna Flannigan was the stand out for me. Monster Chetwynd's work is of an impressive scale and does leave a mark as well. 

Turner in January. This exhibition is on every January, and it almost feels like you are a bad citizen if you miss it. I love Turner's work of course, but this is not the work I love, but it is his work and I go see it every year. 

Pin-Ups | Toulouse-Lautrec and the Art of Celebrity. This was my favourite exhibition of all the offerings I have seen this week (this week!!). Like Modigliani (as I have mentioned in previous posts), Lautrec feels like a bit of a family member. I grew up with his prints around the house, as one older brother was a big fan. This exhibition was comprehensive and well curated. The scale of the work truly caught me off guard, the faded colours and yellowed paper made my heart sing. The quality of his line was divine to see in the flesh and at scale. I loved it so much I really didn't want to leave. 

It was a wonderful week of making and seeing art. A great way to start the new year. I have also watched quite a few painting documentaries as well. Here's a round up of those films (all of which can be found on youtube). 

Robert Motherwell and the New York School, "Storming the Citadel." This documentary is superb. I take comfort in the words and wisdom of one of my favourites. 

The Rules Of Abstraction With Matthew Collings. Another winner of a film and far reaching into the history as well as the spiritual aspects of early abstraction.

Philip Guston, Odd Man Out. I have always admired Guston's work, especially his earlier stuff but now I respect him in a different way and love how he flew in the face of abstraction and risked it all. Great documentary. 

Jean Michel Basquiat Documentary. I am not sure what the actual title of this film as it was put on youtube from the BBC. I have seen several documentaries about Basquiat as I have been a fan for ages, but I had never seen this one. I really like this perspective of his carreer and hearing from different folks that walked through his short life. It was good to hear from his sisters. If you are a fan or want to be, or if you are interested in 80's New York Art/Music scene then this is a documentary for you. 

I hope these films inspire, educate, and encourage you in your own artistic path. Let's make 2019 the year we never stop learning, exploring and trying new things. Let's make it the year we find our power and enrich ourselves through this abundant culture. This is available for almost all of us (at least those with an internet connection and the desire- I understand many people are living in culture deserts - I grew up in one). Only one of the exhibitions I saw this week cost money and all these documentaries are on available online. What are you watching, seeing, reading? What (free and accessible) culture is in your backyard that you have been ignoring or taking for granted? Is there somewhere you feel you don't belong? Are you sure you don't? Go and find out! Remember that art, that beauty, it really is for you. And if someone tells you it isn't, keep looking and make your own!

With gratitude in my heart to yours, until next week, keep fighting. 

PS. The winner of the small painting is artist, Elaine Phipps!!! Congrats, Elaine! Message me your address and I will get this wee painting right out to you. You can check out Elaine Phipps work here.  Thanks again to everyone for your wonderful and thoughtful comments. Keep reading my blog and I'll have another give away in a few more months.

All that I am

All that I am
Acrylic and charcoal on canvas
80x80cm
© 2018 Megan Chapman

Acceptance
Acrylic and charcoal on canvas
80x80cm
© 2018 Megan Chapman

Echoes and memory
Acrylic and charcoal on canvas
100x120cm
© 2018 Megan Chapman

A fair wind and a long way to go
Acrylic and charcoal on canvas
100x120cm
© 2018 Megan Chapman

The space between

Acrylic and charcoal on canvas

120x100cm

© 2018 Megan Chapman

Your quiet heart
Acrylic and charcoal on canvas
100x150cm
© 2018 Megan Chapman

Only to disappear

Acrylic and charcoal on canvas

120x100cm

© 2018 Megan Chapman

To look at you

Tired but pleased

The sun is shining and I am just home from the studio. I want to go out and explore Edinburgh in the sunshine and celebrate a good week of work. But first, there is the matter of my weekly studio blog. So here we go.

This week was all about finishing up some resting pieces and allowing some resting pieces to tell me they were finished. It was full on and truthfully I am pretty worn out but gratefully so. Last week, I shared the first two of my large works in my new series. This Tuesday, I shared my studio video visit where you can see and learn more about what has happened in the studio since then. Here are the latest paintings in the series (pardon my mobile phone shots, proper photos in the near future).

120x100cm

80x80cm

80x80cm

100x150cm

100x120cm

Honestly, when I woke up this morning, I wasn't sure if I had it in me today and thought about taking the day off but then I bought myself a wee gift of an old album I used to have. It was just the ticket and the work got done.

Thank you to everyone who has had a kind word or shared this latest work. It feels really good to be painting in this way again and your support really helps. Okay, there are about two more hours of proper sunlight left in this day and I aim to get out in it! Until next week, keep fighting and for the love of everything holy, remember that every day you paint is a victory.

Go big or go home

How many times have I tried to make myself small? How many times have I tried to fit in? How many times have I tried to be agreeable? How many times did I try not to rock the boat? How many times did I not play my hand? How many times did I stifle myself out of fear?

Too many times, enough of that. Today's motto is "go big or go home."

Paint big, dream big, live big, and take up space. Take up space and make it beautiful. Take up space and make it bolder. Take up space with pure nothingness. Take up space with the edge of a charcoal smudge. Let the white envelope you and the blackness tell the secrets locked in your heart.

Let the paintings pour right on out. What is enough? You are. Your work is. That black brush stroke, that swath of white, it's enough.

Until next week, keep fighting.