Make the time

After last week's celebrations. It was back to work with good amounts of rain, wind, and strong bursts of sun. I tracked the light as it danced around the flat. I also developed a photographic relationship with an Amaryllis as it came into bloom. 

I wrote in my journal on the 11th of March:

There is potential in all of us under the right conditions and if we are shown care and patience. 

I have had this Amaryllis bulb since late November (with the idea of forcing it for Christmas). Even after following the directions on the box there remained no life. I was about to give up on it, thinking it was a dud.

Inspired by seeing my mother's blooming Amaryllis over our video calls, I decided to try a few different tactics to encourage it to thrive. Low and behold it started springing to life in February and now it has bloomed. It is outrageously beautiful. 

Sometimes the rules/directions need breaking or changing because they don't apply to the subject. We can gently persevere with patience and care. We can ask what is needed. This Amaryllis needed extra support and it needed more time - it would not be forced.

The flower is an oracle and teacher. 
Make time to listen. 
_______________

The world is a mess and I am glad you are here, sharing your gifts. Take care until next week.

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.

Funny faces, piss and vinegar

My dad Stephen Chapman died on March 5th. He was 90 years old.

My dad was made up of words and music

A house full of books and records

Built of films and movie star trivia

A wild nest of knowledge

Jonathan Winters meets Raymond Carver

Speaking in tongues

Homebrew beer caps exploding and hitting underneath the basement stairs

He was a charming character

Driving gloves and no stops

Old Milwaukee and a book in bed in the afternoon

"Sunrise, Sunset" on a turquoise painted piano

Funny voices, laughter and thunder

Funny faces, piss and vinegar

Opinions, passions, and outrage

A complex collection

Wild loud jazz

Enunciation and projection

An abstract painting come to life

He wasn't like the other dads. He was something else

and I love him exactly as that.

I love you, Dad. Thank you for your encouragement and understanding of me as a painter.

___________________________________________

I turned 53 the next day.

You can read next week's post here.

2024: Year in Review

Hello Dear Readers, 

Well, here we are again, my annual year in review post. I am already struggling to sit still and focus (it has taken me 2 days to finally get it done). This is an important post for me to write so I can actually see and feel what I did. As I always say, this post is more for me than for you so if you reach the end, then gold star all the way! I feel like this year's post may be quite a bit shorter than some. My relationship with my art has changed so much post pandemic. Like many of you, I feel like I have been navigating a lot of complex experiences and many of the things that used to push or motivate me ring a bit more hollow or just don't work like they used to. So much in my life has changed in these last few years and the way I navigate it is changing too. So let's begin.

Job: I am the Rep Coordinator & Caseworker for the Scottish Artist Union. I completed the SAU Rep Training Program Obair 1, 2, and 3 in 2022 and 2023, concluding with the Rep Residential in Crail in March of this year. I have been working as a Rep with the Union since June 2023 and in June 2024, I became a member of staff in my current role. 

It's an honour to help our members navigate the challenges that we all face across Scotland's visual and applied arts sector. I feel so fortunate to do work that is important, meaningful, and within my field, as part of a trade union. I also feel lucky to work alongside my union peers in the rep team, staff and learning teams, and our volunteer executive. We are a small team, working part time and mostly remotely while pursuing our own art practices and other projects. If you are a Scottish artist and haven't yet joined the SAU, please consider joining your union and getting involved! We are stronger together!

SAU and Related Learning Programmes/Events Attended: 

Negotiation Training: Francis Shennan and Joshua Becker

Structurally F–cked: Juliet Jacques in conversation with Industria

When what you get is not enough: SAU’s Political Education Pilot Event 

Funding for Artists Open Meeting: Applied Arts Scotland, Engage Scotland, Scottish Artists Union and SCAN

Introduction to The Inklusion Guide: A kickass guide to making literature events accessible to disabled people: Julie Farrell 

Cyber Security Knowledge Refresher: Craig Steele, Digital Skills Education

Improving Effective Voice, Equality, Fair Work and Health and Safety Rep Course with Scottish Hazards & STUC (the first 2 parts of a 4 part course)

Basic Income for the Arts in Ireland: What have we learned after 20 months: UBI LAB & BASIC Income Ireland

SAU EGM

SAU AGM

Associated Union Actions: 

Mass Vigil for Justice for Sheku Bayoh: STUC: Festival Square Edinburgh

Stop the Culture Cuts Demo: Equity: Scottish Parliament. 

Art Work: I created a huge overarching body of 307 pieces of work on paper consisting of multiple series from my home studio space. I just looked through them all after another long period of inactivity. I am gobsmacked. You have only seen a fraction of these small works. As they are mostly on very delicate paper I am not always sure how to present them. I can't wait for you to see some of these pieces. They really seem suited for a book or reproductions. This right here is why I write this blog for me. I have been feeling like I have not really given my painting enough of my time and energy this past year. I stand corrected. I feel these are some of the strongest and most personal works I have created in a long while. They are small and they are on paper and many of them feature drawing, writing, and mark making as much as painting and they were all created in my home. Oh, the brain plays tricks. 

What I haven't been doing is making them all shiny, presentable, and for sale. I haven't been updating my social media accounts regularly with them either. This year has been about making art for art's sake, the way it was intended. I was able to do this by being supported through my work with the union, a few art sales, my ko-fi patrons, and through other means.

Art Sales: I sold 5 originals to 3 patrons (4 originals on paper and 1 large original canvas). Thank you, Malcolm in Scotland and Jeanne and Jennifer in the United States for supporting my work at the start of the year. I appreciate you more than you can know. 

Gallery Representation: For the first time in 20 years, I am not represented by any galleries. I was represented by Solo Gallery in Innerleithen until July of this year but sadly, Kate decided to close up shop. Another loss for the Scottish Art Community, and especially for the Scottish Borders. Best wishes to Kate - a proper gallerist and a joy to work with.

Art Rental: Well, this is some news that I haven't yet shared, so you are hearing it here first and I have buried the lede. One of my large abstract paintings will be appearing in a film! My painting "In the time it takes" will be in California Schemin' - James McAvoy's directorial debut. I am looking forward to seeing the film and we will hopefully be able to catch a glimpse of my painting. Now, I can say my work has been used in television and film!

Art Licensing: I happily accepted a contract with Image Conscious, one of the largest wholesale art suppliers worldwide, they sell exclusively to retailers, art consultants, interior designers, frame and poster shops, speciality shops, and wholesale framers. In business since 1980, their collection is comprised of some of the world’s finest contemporary artists and photographers. You can read all about that here. If you enjoy my Echoes and Memory series, which is still one of my favourites, and you are looking for quality Megan Chapman prints for an office, restaurant, or any interior- then this is a great option. They even offer framing. If you buy the reproductions through Printano - they offer worldwide shipping and you can purchase in your own currency. 

Art Exhibitions: I participated in 1 group exhibition at the Out of the Blue Drill Hall to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the space. I also marked an anniversary this year -  I have now lived in Scotland for 10 years and I have had my studio at the Drill Hall for 10 years too!

Studio: There were no formal open studios this year at the Drill Hall. I found this very unfortunate, as that is one my favourite parts of having a studio. I miss being able to connect with the public. Regular open studios are also one of the most lucrative ways for artists to make money.

Unfortunately the rent was raised for the studio in December. Currently, I am able to keep my studio due to sharing the space with 2 subletters and the fact that I have 5 regular patrons who graciously support me monthly to offset some of these overhead costs. I know many artists across Scotland are facing this same dilemma currently. Do we stay or do we go? You can read a popular post I wrote about this issue, here.

Home Studio: Thanks to my pal and supporter Annie Milovic for helping me walk home an easel from my studio at the Drill Hall, as well as grab another piece of found furniture off the street and into my flat so that I could create a new home studio space this past year! These 307 !?! pieces would not exist without her kind offer of assistance and a friendly nudge back in January. 

Kofi Patrons: Currently, 5 amazing women regularly support my work and help me to offset my art business overheads. Thankfully, each month I am supported by Jennifer Libby Fay, Tamsin Haggis, Jennifer Douglas Arbuckle, and Annie Milovic and posthumously by Pat Bremner. Thank you all so much. Thank you also to my three one-off supporters this year, Ash, Kev, and Paul. Consider becoming a regular supporter or just leave me a tip. It all adds up and really makes a difference! 

Speaking of supporters, my dear friend and great patron, John Kay died earlier this year. I couldn't bring myself to talk or write about it as it seemed so sudden, shocking, and awful at the time, and honestly it still is. John supported my work, my spirit, and was always good for a laugh, musical comradery, and a funny Billy Idol meme. His passing threw me for a loop in the spring that took me awhile to come out of. I will endeavour to stay free, my friend, but it's a bit harder and less fun without you here. Sending love to all his friends and family who may happen across this post - and especially to his dearest daughter, Kirsty. 

Friday Studio Blog: I posted 52 weekly blogs. Thank you for checking in here. At first the posts were mostly selections from my works on paper and then we started to pick up speed towards the end of the year and the words came pouring out. I am proud of some of my writing this past year. 

Tuesday Studio Video Visit: Oops! I recorded none! Do I bring these back in 2025 from my new home studio space? Hmm.

Archive: I did manage to update and add some more pieces to my Archive. I will continue to work on this and let you know when it is in tip top shape. There is just so much work - we can see why...

Artist's work I collected/supported: Jenni Douglas, Fiona Thompson and Chris Donnelly of Cyan Clayworks, Victoria Ross, Ailsa Ferrier of Roadside Picnic, Kenris MacLeod, Crail Pottery, Vanessa Bullick, Adelaide Shalhope Exhibition Catalogue from Iota, Adrian Slatcher & Steven Heaton, Maria Bowler, Paul Furneaux, Louise McLaren, SNACK mag Fundraiser, Neuk Collective Fundraiser, Subatlantic, Interpol and Armistead Maupin (3rd time to see him since moving here). Thank you for all of your work. I love living with and experiencing your creations. 

Travel:

Crail, Fife - SAU Rep Residential (gorgeous and wild - I love Fife)

Innerleithen, Scottish Borders (best vegan haggis pie, among other things)
Glasgow (on 3 separate but equally wonderful occasions. I love you, Glasgow)
USA (Unbelievably warm - a gorgeous autumn - good luck and godspeed- y'all come visit)

Besides working on my art and my union work, I made time to read a few books, watch films, see Interpol (2 years in a row and for the 8th time!), listen to loads of music (on repeat), walk in nature, meditate, study a bit of Japanese, and enjoyed some local culture with my friends. And I finally made it back to Arkansas (as mentioned above) to spend some quality time with my parents and see a few friends for 3 weeks this autumn.

Note to self: Megan, my dear... You are enough. You do enough. You live enough. You create enough. You are good enough. I am also super proud that you took care of your teeth, had your hearing tested, had your eyes checked and got new glasses, and you took part in that fitness study. You faced fears, you learned, you grew, you grieved, you experienced really dark days as well as unabashed joy and wonder. You maintained and fostered relationships. You said no and you advocated for yourself and others. Thanks for being good to yourself.

__________________

As I did last year, I dedicate this post to my dear friends and patrons who are no longer with us. I have been fortunate to have been seen, understood, and supported by some amazing people and that is a gift that sustains me. Thank you. I will keep fighting and I will stay free.

Love always to my family of charcoal dust near and far and thank you to everyone who has supported my work as an artist and as a person. I couldn't do this without you and I wouldn't want to. 

Keep fighting. 

Dedication

 

Thank you. 

200 breadcrumbs to get to this place

A stack of my latest paintings on paper

March. It's been one hell of a month. I am feeling pretty worn out and grateful to have arrived at the weekend. I haven't been using words on the studio blog lately as I am using them elsewhere. 

This David Lynch meme found on the internet is relatable.
Just substitute painting for the word film. 

The sun brightens the room after a series of darker and stormy days. The light is lovely, though my phone tells me more rain is coming in a couple of hours. I am content to sit in the sun (however temporary) and listen to music as I type. 

I have painted over 200 pieces since the 29th of January. Of course, many are just process works - breadcrumbs on the path to somewhere else. Right now, it's all about returning to the energy and the regularity of the practice. This flurry of activity has been about getting reacquainted with why I paint and draw at all. It's about why I have painted and drawn my entire life. 

It's always a re-learning at first, or it feels that way. The return. What lines, what colours, what movements, what compositions, what materials, what moves me? What moves my hand, eye, brain, and heart? What lines are mine, and which lines are borrowed? Do I lean on a trick, a technique, a motif? And why do I lean on it? What does it say about me and how I want to feel? Is it a trick? All the questions swirl and dance while I work. The music is perfect. The music isn't right. Go back again and repeat the song that works - the song and the line meld and get stronger. Taking me away. 

Just this past week, the work is starting to trust me again. It's holding me for longer and is starting to talk and tell me where to go. I have had to paint these 200 breadcrumbs to get to this place. Painting is a relationship one must tend. 

Thank you for being here and for all the positive feedback I have received about these latest pieces of work. I appreciate it. I can't and don't want to create in a vacuum. The process and ritual are for me, but the work needs you too. 

Consider leaving me a wee tip for the paintings (48 over on Facebook) I have shared for free this month. Thank you for supporting my work. 

Special thanks to my monthly supporters: Jennifer Libby Fay, Tamsin Haggis, Jennifer Douglas Arbuckle, and the late Pat Bremner. 

We are all beautiful now that it's spring

Music. 

Do you enjoy the art I create and share? Please consider leaving me a one-time or a monthly tip.

Thank you. Stay beautiful. 

My line dances through it all

Solidly in the centre

mixed media on paper

29.7 x 42 cm (11.69 x 16.54 in)

Sold

This month we are continuing to take a deep dive into my love of working on paper (see last week's post if you missed it)

Working on paper has a rich history and has been part of my art practice since the beginning. Its versatility as well as its ability to be easily preserved and displayed, as well as transported, make paper one of the first materials I reach for. The tooth and texture pull me in. The sound of the brush or pencil across it is one of my favourite things. Each type of paper has its own song and inspires the work.

A sequence of webs #3
mixed media on paper
29.7 x 42 cm (11.69 x 16.54 in)
£125

This is no child’s dance
No crayon across a blank page
It was born from there
Kept alive by sheer will
and stubbornness
It was encouraged by my mother
and father
It was grown by teachers, mentors, and even thieves

You don’t have to understand it
to feel it
You don’t need to have lived it
to know it
A scroll - a poem, a dedication, a prayer, a song…
My line dances through it all

A sequence of webs #1
mixed media on paper
29.7 x 42 cm (11.69 x 16.54 in)
£125

This piece above is all about the calming direct energy of the white stroke through the earthy noise and lines in the background. Like a ribbon or rope guiding us in or pulling us out on top. Perhaps it is a wave we are riding through life. If you look at the painting below, "A sequence of webs number 2". You can compare and contrast the two pieces and see how they are different chapters of the same tale.

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

The paintings often know the story long before I do.

Thanks for joining me this week here on the studio blog. Take care out there. 

Contemplation, rest, and gratitude

Thank you to all those who have supported me in the past, present, and future. I can't do this without you. You are a vital part of this dance. 

I will see you again next Friday for my 2023 year-end review blog. 

May contemplation and rest find you in the next week.

With love and gratitude, 

Megan 

Online Studio Sale Continues!

Collect

Thanks to everyone for coming to Open Studios on the 3rd and 10th of December. I always love seeing your faces. Thanks especially to my new patrons.

My Annual Studio Sale is Online and happening now. I am thrilled that patrons are picking up some new pieces for their collections. Thank you for supporting my work, it means more to me than you can possibly know.

Many of the selections continue to support Bikes for Refugees as well. So that's extra wonderful. The small paintings that are professionally framed in white tray frames would make an extra special treat for you or a loved one this season. They can be sent in the UK via Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed and get to you or them by 1pm the next day during the week. You can also pick something up in person. My studio is open by appointment. Send me a message if you would like to visit.

Visit Solo Gallery online and in person for a selection of my available works. They are located in the beautiful Innerleithen, Scottish Borders.

Collect

I have been thinking about my art a bit differently over the past couple of weeks and have some new ideas and plans for the future so please stay tuned. 

Like what I share or just want to say hello and support all the work I share? Consider buying me a coffee or two. Thank you.

Online Studio Sale & Sunday Open Studios

My Annual Online Studio Sale is happening now. I am thrilled that patrons are picking up some new pieces for their collections. Many of the selections continue to support @bikes4refugees as well. So that's a win-win. In the past month, we have been able to donate £195 from the sale of art to the deserving charity. Thank you! 

My portraits are also available for sale. There has been a renewed interest in them so go have another look. 

If you are in or around Edinburgh, the studio will be open to the public from 11:30 to 4:30 on the 10th of December (Sunday) at the Out of the Blue Drill Hall, 36 Dalmeny Street, Leith. Find me in studio G23 for Fine Art, Prints, and Commissions. Our studios are also open by appointment.

These artists and makers will have their studios open on the 10th:
@megan.chapman.artist
@aoife_in_leith
@kategeorgedesign
@preciousmetalsworkshop
@cam_life_designs
@felicityinkpen
@solencollet
@lostmaprecords

I hope to see you in person and or online this weekend. Thanks for your support and enthusiasm for my work.

Open Studios! Join us!

 

Join us for Open Studios at The Out of the Blue Drill Hall! Several resident artists and makers will have their studios open from 11:30 am to 4:30 pm on Sunday, December 3rd and Sunday the 10th, during the Christmas Market.

I will have loads of small original works for sale to benefit Bikes for Refugees - Scotland SCIO that you can view in the flesh and purchase. I will also have never before seen works created this year that I can't wait to share with you! See you in Studio G23. 

These artists and makers will have their studios open

@megan.chapman.artist
@aoife_in_leith
@mairimacsweendesigns
@catherinegiselleart
@kategeorgedesign
@preciousmetalsworkshop
@cam_life_designs
@felicityinkpen
@remodecollective
@solencollet
@lostmaprecords

Here's a wee sneak peek of my part of the studio in the form of the Tuesday Studio Video Visit.

 

Hope to see you there! Good luck to all my peers. I see you. 

Safe as houses

Safe as houses

30x22"/ 76.2x55.8cm

Mixed media 

640gsm smooth fabriano artistico paper

Megan Chapman 2023

Hello, Dear Readers, Skimmers, Browsers, Lurkers and Clickers - 

This person (above) showed up on Monday. I was feeling the deep need to give some time and attention to something creative and expressive, so this is what came of that. I was surprised by the stir she caused over on my FB Art Page. I am always surprised by the portraits. Maybe we all are. Can you believe it was around this time last year that I had my exhibition, Declarations, Divinations, and Whispers? 

You can see all of those portraits again HERE.

And of course, my special sale continues to help out Bikes for Refugees. There are plenty of affordable original pieces of my art on offer with 40% being donated to help them rebuild after a recent break-in. Thanks to my patrons who have supported me, and Bikes for Refugees so far by shopping my sale. You can also donate to them directly and skip the art. 

Go have another look!

I don't know about you, but I am feeling kind of worn out and blue as the nights are drawing in and news of the world is decidedly grim. I plan to make myself some hot chocolate, curl up under the duvet, and rest. Sending love and care out into the world. I hope you can come up with a soothing plan for yourself. 

Thank you for being here. The world needs you and the gifts you bring. Please believe that. 

Finding Centre

Finding centre

Mixed Media on Paper

30 x 30 cm

£175.00

The Dark Anchor (number one)

Mixed Media on Paper

30 x 30 cm

£175.00

The wind is an ocean

Mixed Media on Paper

30 x 30 cm

£175.00

Hello Dear Readers, 

There are now 21 pieces available in my special sale for Bicycles for Refugees. I am so thankful that 5 small works have sold in the £40-55 price range.

With the five small sales, we have been able to donate £95 to Bikes for Refugees to help rebuild a little of what was lost in their recent burglary. Thank you to my lovely patrons in Scotland, England, and the United States for your support.  

There are 9 pieces still available in this most affordable price (£40-55) range. There are 6 pieces available in the £175-195 price range with instalment/payment plans available. And finally, there are 6 pieces available in the £250-295 price range, also with payment plans available. 

These are all original pieces of art, not prints. They are all signed, dated, and titled on the back. All but 3 (see above works on paper) pieces are either mounted/matted and ready to pop into a standard 8x10" frame or professionally framed and ready to hang on the wall. Free shipping in the UK. For any other destinations, the buyer pays for shipping through a separate invoice. 

I want you to live with original art. I always offer a good portion of my work at these more affordable prices so that more folks have the opportunity to enjoy my original work. I have done this for over the past two decades and I have often used my art to raise funds for things I believe in and support. 

I know it has been tough all over coming out of/living through this extended pandemic, wars, political and economic uncertainty and the cost of living crisis. I know people are making hard choices right now. When you choose to support the arts and organisations such as Bikes for Refugees during times like these it highlights your values, your resilience, and your empathy.

Thank you. 

If you have any questions about the sale or pieces in the sale or perhaps even pieces not in the sale - just hit the message button next to any of the pieces and you can contact me. If you click the purchase button - it just sends me a notification that you are interested in purchasing the piece so that I can then send you an invoice and I can answer any questions then as well. 

Buying art doesn't need to be scary or awkward, it can be warm, easy, and meaningful. I am here to help with this. Until next week, stay warm and cosy - coorie in.

Link to my Special Sale. 40% donated to Bikes for Refugees: 

https://www.artworkarchive.com/rooms/megan-chapman/a6dccc

Donate to Bikes for Refugees Directly:

https://www.bikesforrefugees.scot/sponsors-donors