What do these shapes mean

This week saw a return to business as usual after the delightful visit from my neice. I returned to my studio routine and my job. 

I did still manage a bit of fun last weekend. I enjoyed a coffee meet up and some hyper local charity shopping with a pal last Saturday and then on Sunday another pal and I went to see the Phoebe Anna Traquair Murals. We also popped into a few other fringe art offerings, a lovely cafe, and a graveyard - so that's a great time in my book! I have seen the murals several times now but it was a treat to take our time and to really look at them. 

I painted a small painting (above). It is odd but has something I like about it. It doesn't exactly sit in the small series I have been working on but that's okay. 

I also finished a book I picked up in our local charity bookshop while browsing last week. I really enjoyed Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro. I see it has been made into a film. I watched the trailer after I finished the book and I am glad I read the book first. I will definitely read more of Ishiguro's work. I am unsure how I missed him all these years - after all he wrote The Remains of the Day. Klara and the Sun is beautiful, moving, and very timely. 

Things cross your path when they are meant to I guess. 

That's all I have for you just now as I have a busy day ahead tomorrow. 

I hope you are well, happy, and inspired wherever you are. And if not, tomorrow is another day. Keep fighting! 

The universe sings

New work, 30x30cm, 2026

Spread thin like water, stretched and open - elemental. 

Colours dance and move back and forth

It can be that simple. 

_______________________________

In other news, Leith is the best. 

Whether it's having chai and a long blether with a friend in a local cafe on Leith Walk, going to see the opening of a brilliant group exhibition at MOTE 102, or walking down the road to Coburg House to visit all the lovely artists in their studios, Leith is the place to be. 

I thank my lucky stars for the community I live in. I am so fortunate to be surrounded by such passionate, talented, kind, and solid people. Thank you for sharing your gifts. 

Go support these hard-working artists and inspiring venues.

Until next week, the project continues. 

Keep fighting.

This line tells the truth

good things 

Paper, pen, water, and paint

Dirty brushes in a pretty cup

Early morning light and the sound of rain

Writing letters to the ether with an inky pen
Asking for guidance

Showing up and looking for a friend

Tearful and raw

I get my answers

This paper is more important than anything 

and this line tells the truth

I abandon myself so easily 

But we are speaking again

Like old strangers

Turning the corner with suprise and delight

Our one thousandth homecoming

X

The art of living

Royal Scottish Academy Edinburgh

Hello, Dear Readers,

I hope you are doing okay and that you enjoyed last week's post on my day trip to Glasgow.

This week was varied; Monday was spent working on US and UK taxes. Tuesday, I received a Reiki session from a friend and practitioner-in-training, and afterwards we shared a delicious lunch. Wednesday and Thursday were spent working at my job with the Scottish Artists Union. After a matcha morning with a pal, Friday was mostly spent following the election results; however, in the evening, I attended the Royal Scottish Academy's 200th Annual Exhibition with two artist friends, both of whom had work in the show. Beyond spending time with them, I also bumped into a couple of other peers who had pieces in the prestigious exhibition. It is a strong show, and I look forward to going back when it is quieter.

This weekend I will be spending time in the studio listening to music and painting. I am working on a small 10 x 10 cm piece for an upcoming exhibition in Manchester. I will share more details regarding the exhibition soon.

In other news, spring is truly upon us now, with the trees in their fresh verdant coats and the small birds flitting about singing their morning songs.

And that's all I have for you this week. The studio is calling, and I must go.

You bloom in spring

my studio wall for my mother because she likes it

Spring has sprung! The light in the studio has been calling me. Even if I just sit and stare out the window or organise my materials, it's a better day. I love touching all the things - twine, hanging wires, screws, pencils, scissors, and all my various tools. I enjoy putting like with like and lining them up in order. I find it very satisfying. I found an Ikea peg board for £3 at a charity shop recently and was then able to source some 3-D printed hooks on Vinted very affordably that fit it. Good value and making things come together fills me with joy. The studio provides ample opportunity for this.

I hate tape but I have loads of it

This week I went through my painting rack and found at least nine canvases that I have decided no longer work. I asked a fellow painter to look over them as well to make sure I wasn't making any "rash decisions." I wrote that "one canvas might have a Lynchian promise, but many just feel unfinished - like forced thoughts that didn't materialise." I think they are all getting painted over and any photos of them removed from my archive. I haven't painted over anything in years - but now is the time again. Canvases don't grow on trees and I know I can paint something better or perhaps more meaningful than what is there currently.

I have been walking more this week and taking photos while enjoying the flowers and blooming trees. I also planted my garden - carrots, beets, radish, potatoes, onions, scallions, cabbage, broccoli, courgette, and loads of flowers. It's always a bit of an experiment. I don't worry about it much - I just see what works and what doesn't - no stress. Last year I was delighted with my potatoes and spinach. It's always a creative practice in my square foot garden. I'll keep you updated.

Yesterday, I had the unique opportunity of helping a friend and fellow artist deliver his and his partner's work to a prestigious exhibition. I really enjoyed the experience. It reminded me how comfortable I am around art - handling it with care and wanting it to look its best. Seeing all the work being unloaded from crates and packages in the gorgeous gallery space was a thrill and a comfort, and also a lot of work! It's a good feeling to be able to help someone and I got a lot out of it too. The experience reminded me of where I feel I belong and this is helpful so that I can compare it to the experiences where I feel I don't.

Princes street gardens

Later in the day, I met up with another artist and we enjoyed the sunshine in Princes Street Gardens which is bursting with Spring beauty. We had an important and good chat about art and life and made plans for an art adventure next week.

And on this gorgeous day, that's all I have for you. This post has been brought to you by the sun, a homemade blueberry Matcha, and one song on repeat.

Thanks for being here and please keep fighting for comfort and joy, for all.

Your community is waiting

Cup of sun in the studio

The sun is shining through the window and onto my face. Daffodils smile at me from the jar on the table and I have a dreamy Hermanos Gutiérrez song on repeat on my big headphones. I sway to the music like a reed in water. 

Yesterday, I walked out the door and into the sun. I surveyed the pots in my garden - Daffodils, Muscari, Tulips, and Hyacinth all greeted me. The Lilac is preparing to leaf. I left my wee haven and walked on through the neighbourhood past the art school where two women were working on a large piece outside. I saw the shopkeeper who sells plants chatting with passersby. I walked on to the library where the friendly librarians answered my questions and cheerfully assisted me in my research. I left with two books, new information, and a spring in my step. I walked down the road past the glass artist working in her studio window and then on to the wee grocery, where we talked about celebrating the sun, enjoying our days, and the pleasures of good food. And then after being out in my neighbourhood for a couple of hours I walked back home. On my way, I shared a laugh with a young man enjoying a drink outside, and I found some street treasure. 

Street treasure: A box of 100 Flower Postcards from the Royal Horticultural Society

Later in the day I hit the neighbourhood streets again to visit my friends at their open studio event and met their friends too. We all had spirited conversations peppered with shared laughs and commiserations about art, life, and the way of things. I think alliances were forged or at least a recognition of kindred spirits. It was a good afternoon that turned into night. I left with art, new information, and again with a spring in my step.

It was a wonderful day full of everything I value and believe in. It was the type of day I dreamed about as a child when I played with my Fisher Price Village, read a Richard Scarry book, or watched Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood on PBS. We can never underestimate the power of community connection and interdependence.

Written on my studio wall: 

Protect your peace. Say No.
Say Yes to Art, Movement, Nature, and Community.
Create your world now, not later. 

So go outside and be weird, be awkward, be ridiculous, laugh loudly, say the wrong thing. Disappoint people. Find the people who won't be disappointed. Ask for help. Be vulnerable. Your one wild and precious life and your community is waiting.

Thank you for being part of mine

Joy is resistance

You know what's cool? Walking down a road you've never been on with your pal, then standing with your backs against a wall in the winter sun. I’ve done this twice lately and highly recommend it. If you joke that you both look like members of an '80s band and share a laugh, it’s even better.

Julia and I have been roaming the streets again, seeing art, and sitting in coffee shops. We have already seen some great exhibitions this year. This is normally where I would tell you all about them but I cannae be arsed. Go out and see some art wherever you live. 

I will show you one of my new works in progress. I decided to pop it into a frame just to see how it would feel in one, and it seemed to agree with it. I like my frames like I like my art, a bit dirty and damaged. 

In other news, I have been reading books, organising, working, meditating, baking, and learning new ways of being. It's a good way to stay sane when everything is awful and gross. I am also taking action, voting, calling, signing, and joining. Community, community, community - that's where it's at. I hope you are being supported by your community. I hope you are supporting your community. 

Stay free, be well, and stand against walls in the sun. 

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.

A meditative pause

Glitter disco monarch of the glen with added buddha

How in the world is it already Friday again? Sorry, these types of pronouncements are about as dull as talking about the weather.

I have been awake for ages in the dark so I figured I might as well type a few words. I am still not ready to share what I have been up to on the art front. Maybe I will feel inclined to share this on boxing day (which will be the next time I write here). 

I also can't believe that we are less than a week away from Christmas. I put out a few decorations but nothing major - I've been too preoccupied with my job and my behind the scenes art vibes. Let's just say I have been working hard. Thankfully, I have had some welcomed help from my pal Julia (it's not a blog if my talented friend isn't in the mix these days).

 

all that glitters

At this point in my life, Christmas serves as a meditative pause. I am looking forward to time off work, time to reflect, to watch films, eat good food, catch up with some friends and go for walks. Time to settle into some new patterns and create future pathways. Ooh, and time for genealogy too! Now, I'm excited!

Whatever you get up to during the festive season, I hope you have moments of peace and security. It's been one hell of a year for a lot of us, so take it easy and don't forget to honour your needs (this is a reminder to myself). And remember too, it's almost Solstice - the light will be making its slow return back to us!

Wishing you a joyous season. Thank you for sharing some of your precious time with me. We need you and the gifts you bring. Keep fighting and shining.

Leith must be the place

From the window of Custom House Leith

Hello Dear Readers, 

I hope December finds you well and cosy. This post practically wrote itself last Saturday. When I left you last week, I mentioned I was going to meet Julia to explore the Leith Creative Trail and that is what we did. 

Julia and I met in front of the Leith Library at 11am and we wandered the streets all day in search of everything the artists and makers of Leith had on offer. It was a full day of adventure, beauty, and community. Leith is definitely the place. 

We visited the following fantastic Leith venues:

Art Glass Studio 34 / SilverHub Studios / Mote 102 / Ground Floor EHFM / Coburg House / Cyan Clayworks / Custom House / Brown’s of Leith / Away Industries / Populus Cafe / Bethany Shop / Leith Makers Open Studios & MULCH:Collective Exhibition / Sebs Urban Jungle Winter Makers Market The excitement continues this weekend so do check the trail guide for all the details.

Happiness is a blue wall

While we were out walking the Creative Trail, Julia spied this blue wall and thought it would make an ideal backdrop. I was proudly wearing my new brooch designed by Julia and happy to pose for a few photographs.

I am lucky to have a friend that I feel so comfortable around and who has a great sense of colour. I really don't like having my picture taken so it says a lot about the photographer when I look this relaxed. Her brooch made me feel like a million bucks. I do hope you will check them out. As I have said many times, colour is medicine and good friends are the best. Find your new brooch and view Julia's art here: https://julialaingstudio.com

I need to get ready to meet a pal for a Friday morning walk. There are other things going on behind the scenes of course, but more on that later. 

Wherever you are, don't let the bastards get you down. Keep fighting and shining. 
We need you and the gifts you bring. X.

Conversations and quandaries

Broughton St Mary’s church turret in autumn

Hello Dear Reader, 

Here we are again, another Friday. I hope you are okay. I am not great but at least I am not ill and I haven't had any migraines lately so that is a positive. This week was frustrating and difficult for a multitude of reasons. Even with the beauty of autumn as a backdrop - I am weary. Are we all weary now? Is this just how it is going to be? I sure hope not. 

So let's focus on the beauty and the good parts, that seems to be all I know how to do. I can be struggling and still recognise the wonders of life. 

I went for a walk with my friend Jen on Saturday and introduced her to my favourite local tree. I had been hesitant to go by and visit my scottish friend tree as I was worried it might not be there due to some recent council heavy pruning. Jen kindly accompanied me as I faced that concern and we were both delighted to see its far reaching majesty, albeit very lopsided.  

On Sunday, I met my friend Julia, for a ramble through the city centre and down into Stockbridge. We enjoyed warm drinks and chips while sitting in the window of a crowded cafe. Afterwards we went to a charity shop where I scored a wonderful scarf. We then continued down the road to see the current exhibition, Beneath the Veil at The House of Smalls. This is only the second exhibition I have seen at The House of Smalls and I have been equally impressed and deeply moved each time. If you are in Edinburgh or passing through, I would highly recommend putting this gallery on your list to visit. Amy is a friendly and helpful gallerist and has created a space with an important and commendable ethos.

chai latte with Julia before the exhibition

After meeting up with Julia, there was of course my Sunday session of painting and talking about art with my mom. I worked on the two canvases below. Just adding different washes of paint. Roughing in and wiping away the colours in layers while listening to Brian Eno and drinking tea. Not a bad way to spend some time. I like them pretty well as they are, but may continue to work on them this week. 

work in progress

work in progress

On Monday, the haar rolled in, and it seemed like the perfect time to take a walk and make some photos. I feel fortunate to have this wilderness so close. I know these trees and this patch of land so well and in return I feel known by them. I find so much support and solace in these nearby woods and the paths by the water of Leith. 

As usual, there was work and all the other bits and pieces that make a life - exercise, meditation, meals, conversations and quandaries. I am now sitting on the sofa, listening to one song on repeat and feeling grateful to have shared this Friday ritual once more with you.

May all beings have happiness and the causes of happiness. 

May all beings be free from suffering and the causes of suffering. 

May all beings rejoice in the wellbeing of others. 

May all beings live in peace, free from greed and hatred. 

Thank you for being here. Until next week, take care. 

Know your rights

tis the season for tarot

good matcha with friends

painting on a Sunday

and for making a statement

Hello Dear Readers, 

As the captions state, tis the season for tarot, good matcha with friends, painting on a Sunday, and for making a statement. Add in a bit of work, genealogy, a planned walk with a pal tomorrow and a planned meet up with another pal on Sunday and that is where you find me this week. I am a bit tired, careworn, and restless.

Thanks to all you culture warriors for being here and for continuing to fight for goodness and beauty. You rule. 

I will be with the folks back home in spirit tomorrow. Know your rights. 

Forgotten Landmarks

When the sun bounces off the neighbour's window and illuminates my easel 
(raiders of the lost ark style) 

Hello Dear Readers, 

We meet again. How are you this week? There is so much going on in the world, I am not sure how anyone is really okay. But we keep showing up in our own little ways, in our little pockets and larger communities - surviving the madness together. 

As I mentioned last week I have been unwell, so it was another week spent in recovery mode. September felt like a month of sickness, with a week here and there feeling less bad, but not great. I want to give my thanks and gratitude to NHS Scotland, from reception, to doctors, to pharmacists, - I am always amazed and thankful. We must protect and support our NHS at all costs. Coming from the states, I certainly never take it for granted. 

Thankfully, I am feeling much better this week and I'm planning to meet Julia for a coffee nearby later today as a bit of an experiment. Read her blog - it's almost as good as meeting my talented friend in person.

Speaking of friends, my very kind pal, Philip left me a gift in my garden last Friday. I was feeling pretty glum about being so ill again as well as not celebrating my Scotland milestones. It was such a boost to receive this thoughtful tote filled with an assortment of teas, a matcha advent calendar, and The Book - The Ultimate Guide to Rebuilding Civilization. The Book is filled with gorgeous illustrations and it brought to mind one of my favourites from childhood, Gnomes. The kindness of friends and community is everything. I am very lucky. 

kindness

This week, rather than watching old films, I spent some time researching the ancient family (my autumn hobby). I didn't get too far but it was a good way to spend some recovery time. I plan to spend a bit more time this weekend with the old ghosts. 

I had cousins that lived in the Canongate, here in Edinburgh, and one even married in the Canongate Kirk in 1731. They left behind a fascinating set of letters to their first cousin, Governor Samuel Cranston of Rhode Island, who was my 8th great-grandfather. His father John Cranston (also a governor) came to the colonies but John's brothers Caleb and Samuel (my 9th great uncles) stayed in Scotland.

I of course, would still love to know more about my more common and much more recent Scottish dirt farmer ancestors my 3rd great-grandparents Murdoch Campbell and his wife Christian McNeill, but I fear their records are lost to the mists of time. So the fancy people it is. 

And to round out the week, there was of course, painting - I managed to work on three canvases this weekend. I need to get better photographs of two of them, but I will share the one I was pleased with here. I put the image against a black background to share what it might look like in a simple tray frame or against a dark wall. 

Latest finished piece in the series

There are now thirteen works in my series Fire on the Hills of Yesterday. This series began in July as my mother and I began chatting about art and working on our pieces each Sunday. It has been great to share this experience with my mother. 

My latest work is directly referencing a previous series of paintings from 2004, that was called "Within the twilight." A dark landscape series that I was fond of but that never really found its audience - however many of these works did find homes one way or another, over time. That series eventually started to shift as I evolved as an artist and gained gallery representation. It is fun to revisit the ideas behind this work. If you have been following my art for a while you may have recognised the reference and may live with some older cousins of these new works. 

A dear friend and fellow painter wrote that these new works were like "lost 18th century masterpieces of forgotten landmarks." I will happily take that! 

the illuminated easel 

We are on a wandering path, full of learning, unexpected beauty, and choices. Every choice, loss, and discovery makes us who we are. Thank you for being on this path with me.

Until next week, take good care.

Special thanks as always go to my dedicated wee group of monthly Ko-fi Supporters who encourage me to create these works, write this blog, and stay on this path through their regular support. Thank you, Jennifer, Tamsin, Jennifer, and Annie!

Thank you, Pat, for the monthly gift you arranged that continues to support my art. (I know you would have loved the Canongate story most of all). You are missed.

Illuminate me in my current puny state

Works in progress, laying the ground with gold, cadmium, and black

I am unwell on the sofa again - a tearful, anxious, snotty and coughing mess. Thank goodness for the sun that has just angled to illuminate me in my current puny state. It's not all bad, thanks to the kind delivery person (who I have now seen two days in a row) I have what I need to care for this devilish cold. She was like Florence Nightingale. I bowed my thanks to her and enjoyed our mutually compassionate conversation. Workers make the world go around - we have to stick together. Don't let the bastards divide and conquer and for the love of your god or none, don't do their work for them!

Katharine Hepburn, film still from Sylvia Scarlett. Directed by George Cukor. 1935

In other news, I have watched three films and a series of interviews. My current interest is in Katharine Hepburn. I mean I have always loved her but somehow I love her now more than ever. I have not yet viewed Sylvia Scarlett but I am not letting that stop me from sharing the stunning image above. 

I watched Katharine starring in Keeper of the Flame and Holiday, both films are by George Cukor. Then I watched several old interviews with the somewhat elusive actor - Dick Cavett had a great 2 part interview with her which you can find on YouTube.

Then I turned to Ingrid Bergman and the Arch of Triumph. As I mentioned on social media, this one was a bit of a slog - but what has struck me from the past 3 films I have watched from 1938, 1942, and 1948 is how current they feel.

Before someone put the plague upon my hoose, I enjoyed some autumnal moments and worked on a couple of other canvases (I now have 4 that are in various states of progress, which is fine by me and a good sign).

Evidence of autumn 

One of my many rituals

walking along the water of Leith

Even my latest two works in progress (seen at the top of this post) have an autumnal flash about them. I must say, I have been enjoying these Sunday paintings. I can find working a part time job and painting regularly difficult to balance. I am pleased to have prioritised my art again and I am glad my mother and I can both talk about our projects and hold each other accountable. I enjoy the humour of currently being a literal Sunday painter. I am hoping to feel well enough this weekend to work back into the two paintings above.

In other news, eleven years ago today I arrived in Scotland to make a go of it and five years ago this week I became a citizen. I hope my ancestors are happy. Thank you for being a part of it. Until next week, keep fighting but don't forget to stop to rest.

We need you and the gifts only you can bring.

Two red lines = rest

latest canvas panel/ working snapshot

Good morning dear readers, 

The sun is rising, I am on my second cup of chai, and I am sitting in my favourite chair by the window. It is September and chai seems more appropriate than matcha. I am ill so it also seems more cosy. I tested positive for Covid yesterday. This will be the second time I have had it. 

Not to alarm, but if you and your pals have sore throats and "colds" just now, you might want to test as to avoid giving covid to someone. If you are in Scotland and happen to have any old government tests around they still seem to work. Mine lit up in seconds yesterday after testing negative on Monday when my throat first started hurting.

Also if you are ill, please stay home if you can or perhaps wear a mask when you are going to the shops or are riding the bus. It's just a nice thing to do. Being ill sucks - whether it truly is a cold or covid. Many of us haven't had a vaccine in ages these days and are more vulnerable. Okay, that's my spiel.

I am listening to this. A bit different from my usual vibes I know - but I do believe in the healing power of music. You might enjoy it if you are looking for some grounding, relaxing nature based music. 

Until I started feeling unwell on Monday afternoon, I had a nice time since last Friday's Studio Blog. On Friday, I met my pal Philip and did a bit of charity shopping and found some bargains (always a thrill). We also went to lunch at a vegan place I had been wanting to try. If you are local to Leith/Edinburgh, Faceplant on Duke Street is 100% vegan and a really cute spot. The food was great too! 

Later that afternoon, I  had a lovely art and life chat over video with my friend and fellow artist, Adelaide Shalhope. A great start to the weekend.

On Saturday, I worked in my garden weeding and tidying and learned how to make a new creamy iced fruit tea recipe. I also managed some batch cooking (so glad I had healthy food all prepared in the freezer as it has come in so handy this week). I went down a few wonderful musical rabbit holes and discovered some new songs and sounds. That is always a good thing. A lovely Saturday.

On Sunday, I went to the local car boot sale with Philip and found a couple of small treasures. On Sunday evening, as scheduled, I had the weekly art chat with my mom and rectified two canvases I had been working on the week prior. You can see one of them above. 

On Monday morning, I attended a webinar by Global Trade Department - "Q&A session with Royal Mail: Shipping to the US with Royal Mail and Parcelforce post 29th August." I attended the previous webinar as well, and the situation sounded pretty dire, but now things seem perhaps a bit more manageable. I know that these tariffs are very concerning and impact many UK small businesses and artists. You can find  the latest Q&A webinar here. Things are constantly changing so this is a helpful resource to know in order to stay up to date as things develop.

After the webinar, I met my friend and fellow artist Julia Laing in the city centre for a wander and a blether. We went for a tea and then walked towards Dundas street not thinking that most of the galleries would be closed (we did look in gallery windows - and Julia got to hear my rant about frames being akin to painting jail). We enjoyed a couple of antique shops, a pop up gallery, and then found our way to another coffee shop, where I noticed my throat starting to feel irritated and then we parted ways. I tested negative when I got home and put myself to bed thinking I had the beginnings of a cold. 

Tuesday I rested (and had wild dreams), Wednesday and Thursday I worked from home as usual until I tested positive and here we are. I am now coughing quite a bit as I type. I will most likely be returning to my bed again soon. I hope to be able to do my Sunday art session with my mom. 

And that was a week in this artist's life. One day soon, I might tell you about what is inspiring me, and some of the bigger ideas I have about the future of my art, but currently this reportage style suits me and gets the job done. 

Be well and rest. Thank you for stopping by and for supporting my work - especially my wee kofi crew: Tamsin, Jennifer, Annie, and Jennifer - you are such stars and I am so thankful. 

Until next week, keep fighting. 

Working and worrying

Works in progress from last Sunday's Session with Mom

Hello, Dear Readers,

How are you doing? I’m really glad it’s Friday—the weight of the world is wearing me out. My eyes are desperate to close for the day.

Here's the week in review. I attended the Scottish Artists Union's AGM last Saturday. I gave a wee 10 minute report on the happenings of the Rep Team. Afterwards, I met up with a pal for some matcha and charity shopping in Leith.

Sunday was art day with my mom (see above—laying the foundations for two new paintings). My mother and I have been talking and working on art for eight Sundays now. It’s been a good routine for both of us. I aim to complete at least one of those pieces this Sunday.

I watched the documentary, "Turn It Around: The Story of East Bay Punk" on Sunday morning as well. It was inspiring. 

On Monday, I ventured into the hot wilderness of the city centre and felt "all lost in the supermarket" and tearful as I wandered through the mêlée. When I got home, I saw there was a warning of an active shooter at the University of Arkansas back in my hometown. This was very alarming. Thankfully, everyone was okay in the end, as it turned out to be a cruel and terrorising hoax. However, later in the week, there was another shooting, this time in Minneapolis. I can’t stand America’s relationship with guns.

On Tuesday, I participated in four video events—a training, two online workshops, and a meeting with a friend. On Wednesday and Thursday, I had work, and on Thursday night, I attended another workshop. And here we are. Today, I met a pal for some more charity shopping and a tasty vegan lunch. Afterwards, I had an art chat with a friend.

It was a busy week of working and worrying. But there was also a lot of learning, expanding, and feeling excited about possibilities.

I was strangely tempted to rescue a TV/VCR combo from the street but decided against it. And this is where I leave you.

the revolution will not be televised