She is an imaginary girl

This girl from Arkansas was influenced by David Lynch

Dear Readers, Art Lovers, and Friends,

It was fitting that the soundtrack to last week's post was "Dark Night of the Soul" featuring David Lynch.

I was so shocked to hear of his death that I actually gasped out loud when I read the news in a message from my brother Sean. I wrote a few friends in particular who I knew would be upset and then I shed a few tears myself. I started watching old clips and reliving memories that revolved around David Lynch's work and art.

Like many others, I took to the internet to share my feelings:

"I'm so sad about this loss. David Lynch gave us so much vision and new ways to see. He offered up validation and permission. Meditations on darkness and love. Twin Peaks beaming into the house when I was in high school was as important to me as witnessing the dawn of MTV when I was child. Style, colour, art, mystery - everything was suddenly available to me. I could understand my own sensibilities and appreciate them even in Arkansas."

Looking back, I realise how much he had influenced me in the 80s and 90s and how he continues to influence me today. How often I quote his work. He was and will forever remain a true artist and an original. We are so lucky for all he gave us. 

Thank you, David Lynch for sharing your vision.

Two Sad Clouds, mixed media on paper, Megan Chapman, 2024

Temptation, mixed media on paper, Megan Chapman, 2024

How can we best show up in this crushing world with our own singular visions? How can we support each other and ourselves in our purest most expansive forms? How can we bring more delight, humour, wonder, and understanding into this world?

Let's catch some ideas.

Rest in Power

At a march and rally for Scottish independence in 2019

I was lucky to have Pat Bremner in my corner and in my life. Pat was a dedicated arts and culture lover and an engaged independence supporter. Perhaps more importantly to me personally, Pat was beyond loving and thoughtful when she welcomed me into her family with openness and care. I will always be grateful for the inclusion I felt in her company. 

We enjoyed films and lunch dates in the city, political marches and rallies, a bit of "Call the Midwife" back in the day and of course genealogy and "Who do you think you are." She took me to Women for Independence meetings. We visited the House of Records, the National Library and genealogy societies always looking for information on my "brick wall" which Pat invested an incredible amount of time in helping me try to tear down. I could tell her with excitement about new genealogy discoveries and knew she would be excited too. She took me to Holyrood Palace and hosted a Scottish Night at her house to immerse me in the culture. Quiz games were hosted over delivered Chinese food and laughs and chats about anything and everything were commonplace pre-pandemic. Flowers, plants, cards, and thoughtful gifts for special occasions and just because pepper my memories.

She was a champion of my work attending most exhibitions and open studios if they were accessible. She was an avid collector and patron. She was invested in me as an artist but also as a person unconditionally and her love and compassion meant the world.

Her last present to me was a big teacup with a painting of the poet Maya Angelou on it and a quote by her that reads, "If you are always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be."

Thank you Pat for loving and seeing me, and for all you gave to the world with your bright heart and compassionate spirit. You are deeply missed.