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

Cosmic

In case you missed it, you can read last week's post here.

This was a full and varied week! 

For those of you who don't already know, I am the Rep Coordinator & Caseworker for the Scottish Artists Union. My (now) former colleague Janie Nicoll (previous SAU Campaigns Manager) and I were recently interviewed by the Vandal Factory for their podcast episode #32 all about Freelancers. Please give it a listen to learn more about what the SAU does on behalf of our members and then if you haven't already, join your union!

Listen here

"This is the full interview with Janie Nicoll and Megan Chapman, visual artists and organisers for the Scottish Artists Union. An edited version first appeared in episode #32. SAU is the representative voice for visual and applied artists in Scotland and is one of the largest arts membership organisations in the country. We discuss the needs of the membership and empowering and connecting self-employed freelancers. Listen to episode #32 for more conversations from across the UK about self-employed life."

199th RSA Annual Exhibition

Then later this week, I was invited to attend the RSA private view by my SAU colleague and fellow Rep, Leon Patchett as both he and his partner Beti Bricelj had brilliant work in the exhibition. They stay up in the highlands so it was great to see them in Edinburgh. My new pal and artist Anthea Moys, joined us for the fun as well. We all had a hoot. 

Then on Saturday, I met up with my dear pal, the brilliant writer, Ever Dundas to explore a secret (ish) garden and have an overdue catch up. It was a balm for the soul - I felt like I went on a 2 hour retreat. It was so exciting to explore a tucked away garden behind a gate in the city centre with Ever. It really gave me a boost!

Then on Sunday, there were flowers everywhere and I found £5 on a deserted street and took it to the local car boot sale and found exactly what I was looking for.

Everything felt a bit cosmic.

You can read next week's post here.