Without people, you're nothing (and a cat helps too)

Theo

I am writing this on a Wednesday morning, but it will be backdated for last Friday for consistency's sake. Last week was an awful emotional rollercoaster and all my attention was turned towards my beloved cat Theo. For me, Theo is a constant state of love and joy and we got some bad news last week which included a 48-hour animal hospital stay. However, this Monday we had some much better news and I can breathe again. I am filled with a renewed belief in perseverance, science, amazing vet care as well as the power of love and dedication. Some real truths have been shown to me this week and I am thankful. 

Side note, if you are ever told your cat is in renal failure or what most folks now kindly call chronic kidney disease or suspect your cat is gravely sick, first, get the best care for your cat as soon as possible and then learn more about the illness and what can be done. This clearinghouse of information online was extremely helpful and gave me the hope I needed to not give up and to be a better caregiver and advocate for Theo. Click here to learn more about chronic kidney disease in cats and what can be done (but only in conjunction with vet care!).

The anchor holds

Mixed media on canvas
80x80x4cm 

© 2019 Megan Chapman

I carry the light

Mixed media on canvas
80x80x4cm
© 2019 Megan Chapman

Okay, on to a few bits of art news. This is the last week of the Paisley Art Institute’s 132nd Annual Online. I was thrilled to have the above two pieces accepted into this storied exhibition which was held online this year due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. If you have not yet done so, grab a cup of tea and browse the virtual gallery walls from the comfort of your own home. My work is on the first wall of the "headspace" room. Click here to go right there but do take some time to enjoy the other rooms of art. The exhibition ends on September 6th. 

In other art news, back in July, I was commissioned to film a studio tour for Leith Late. That short video along with additional videos by many other talented artists and makers around Edinburgh has now been released in the form of a culture map that you can visit online. I encourage you to take some time to visit the map and learn more about the various studios and the artists that use them throughout the city as well as the virtual mural tour. I was so pleased to be selected to participate. 

You can enjoy and learn more about all the latest #Leith100 events - including the new online resource #LeithLateVirtualTours comprising of virtual Open Studios from around Edinburgh and Leith Mural Tours at https://www.leithlate.co.uk/virtualtours

LeithLate Virtual Tours : Megan Chapman from LeithLate on Vimeo.

That is all I have for you this week. Sending love and light out to everyone reading, I know we have all been going through a hell of a time collectively. I hope the arts bring you some comfort. Please keep fighting and know you are not alone. We need you and what you bring. Thank you.

Special thanks to my community that has really supported me during this time. To quote Joe Strummer as I have many times before, "Without people, you're nothing." I am so thankful for my people (and sweet Theo). x

2019 Summary

What a year! I am grateful for so many folks who have supported me and my work. I couldn’t have done it without you. Special thanks go to paperandwhite.com- It was a joy to work on those commissions with you. Your support changed the trajectory of my year and for that, I’ll always be grateful. Jeanne Parham and Fenix Fayetteville my hometown representative that enabled my work to be on television for the first time in HBO’s True Detective at the start of the year- what a treat! Thank you! Bikes for Refugees - Scotland SCIO thank you for the inspiring work you do for our new Scots. I am honoured that I was able to use my work to help your important cause and help these new residents. Thanks to my patrons we helped raise £830 (someone gave an extra £5) to put 15 bikes on the road and into the hands of refugees. Thanks of course to the lovely The Velvet Easel Gallery for representing my work, what a haven you have created. Thanks to Dancing Light Gallery for having my work in your idyllic space in the country. Thanks to Doyle Art for showing my work this year in Glasgow - short but sweet- best of luck in the future. Thanks to my union Scottish Artists Union for the important work you do- glad to be a member! Thanks to my studio at The Out of the Blue Drill Hall for all that you provide and the wonderful people I have met under your roof. Thanks to Sandra Brown from Creative Ceramics for my summer residency experience in the old stables. I needed that and I am grateful you made it happen. To my friends, patrons, and supporters near and far and to my fellow artists and makers, thanks for what you give and for what you bring. Wishing you all the best in the year ahead with love and gratitude. ❤️- Megan ✨