Searching for and finding radical comfort

I'll take you on by Megan Chapman 

What a week! How do I write down all I want to say? I am excited and inspired and need to make sense of things. I might have to write a list. It all started on Sunday...

Girl with the Blues by Julia Laing 
A piece of Julia's that I have in my collection

1. I met fellow artist Julia Laing on Sunday for a walk. We have followed each other on social media for a while and have supported each other's work. On Sunday we wandered around the Botanics and had a proper blether about art and life. It was so good to finally meet and share our concerns and experiences. It's always lovely to connect with a like-minded soul. 

Follow Julia: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julia.laing.art/ 

& https://www.instagram.com/julialaingstudio 

Read Julia's Substack Blog: https://julialaingstudio.substack.com

Karl Macrae in front of his stitched self-portrait at his exhibition at Argonaut Books

2. After meeting up with Julia, I found myself back across town in Leith to see my good pal and fellow artist Karl Macrae's exhibition at the fabulous Argonaut Books on Leith Walk. His work will be up until 6pm on Tuesday 14th of February. If you are in Edinburgh on Sunday, Karl will also be at the Craft and Flea market in The Assembly Rooms on George Street from 10am to 4pm. Don't miss these shows - Karl continues to delight and inspire! 

Follow Karl on Facebook: facebook.com/karlmacraehessewhappy and Instagram instagram.com/karlmacraehessewhappy

Felicity's exhibition poster

3. At Karl's Show, I met up with a new friend and fellow artist, Felicity Inkpen. We sat to the side for a bit and had a good chat while Karl greeted his public. Felicity has a studio at the Out of the Blue Drill Hall and has an exhibition, "Hounds of Love," in collaboration with Sett Studios up right now, at the Leith Arches until February 28th. You can also see her work "Moongoats" at Harmonium. Felicity is full of spirit, and her tenacity is inspiring to witness - I enjoy her work too!

Follow Felicity on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/felicityinkpen/ 

and visit her website: https://www.felicityinkpen.co.uk/

Aoife paints on old slates and also makes prints of her slate pieces. 

In true Leith fashion - I ran into my studio mate, good friend, and fellow artist Aoife O'Callaghan on Leith Walk on the same day. We got to have a quick chat on the street before seeing each other again later in the week. Aoife is building a solid body of work on old weathered roof tiles from a local church. It's exciting to watch these pieces develop. 

Monday was a bit of a recovery day after that art-packed and conversation-filled day. On Tuesday, I met up again with Aoife and our friend Meg (who also works at the Drill Hall) for lunch on Leith Walk. A lovely conversation was had about some art-related things but mostly just life. 

In a friend's garden #5
Jennifer Libby Fay

Later that day, I video-chatted with my dear friend, former studio mate, and fellow artist Jennifer Libby Fay. We have talked every Tuesday for years. We have been through a lot together in the "art world" and life. I am grateful for our shared history and for our present. 

After another art and chat-filled day, I managed to wrap up a funding application for the research and development of a new body of work. We will see what happens - I always think of those things as an exercise in learning to write in a new language. Nothing ventured, nothing gained etc. Good luck to all who applied for the VACMA. 

The Pineapple

Wednesday was an adventure day with my pal, James! We visited The Pineapple, Dunmore House, and Elphinstone tower! It was great to get out of Edinburgh and explore - this was the first time we had adventured since before the start of the pandemic. I loved exploring the ruins- it is always inspiring to roam where the spirits seem closer and ancient history is just a sliver away.

Later on Wednesday, I enjoyed the first two-hour session of "Art, Work and Power," presented by the Scottish Artists Union. It is always good to meet up with a group of peers from all over Scotland to dig into the subject of being a worker and an artist. These courses are always inspiring and help me feel less alone and more supported. 

Bare Branding

On Thursday, I popped by Bare Branding to collect a print order. I had a great conversation with one of the founders of the organisation that made me feel hopeful, connected and understood. Such a breath of fresh air. If you are an artist and you want or need prints of your work made, go to Bare Branding. They actually have your best interests at heart.

On Thursday night, I again attended  "Art, Work and Power" presented by the Scottish Artists Union. I look forward to next week's meetings. Join your union if you haven't. They also have your best interests at heart. 

Today, I signed the prints I collected on Thursday and got them all ready to go! Go where you might ask? 

Big News! Blunt Knife Co. now carries this series of my signed archival prints! £25 each. 

Blunt Knife Co. at 41 Thistle Street

I am excited to share that I now have a stockist in the city centre! You can find a selection of my prints in Edinburgh at Blunt Knife Co, located at 41 Thistle Street. It was a joy to go to the shop today and have another meaningful and open conversation. It's an inclusive space with a fantastic selection of art, zines, books, stickers, and more, including my collection of "Tell me how you really feel" prints! It is a thrill for me to work with people and places that share similar values and are working towards something better and brighter and breaking down the old ways.

It was great to talk to so many artists this week - to feel part of something bigger and to talk some shit about the system and the various dysfunctional hierarchies we are working under. The week's theme seemed to be - exploration, community, inclusivity, art, artists, a bit of rage, and working towards change. I say bring it on! I can't play the old games - I want to go where there is space for me and my ideas and where we can continue to make space for others. I am searching for and finding radical comfort.

I am an artist. I am a worker. I have ideas that aren't airy-fairy bullshit. I am not alone. I love all the radical minds that I crossed paths with this week. Thank you.

Thank you to all my Ko-fi supporters - I have your February Playlist ready - I will send it to you this weekend- in the past 30 days, these are my star supporters *Jennifer, Tamsin, Pat, Ever, Jen, Sheila, Clare, and Muriel*

Okay, that's all I have for you this week - go out and search for and find your radical comfort - why would we spin our wheels looking for anything else? 

Second Look: Revisit the portraits of 2022

I invite you to take a second look at Divinations, Declarations, and Whispers, a series of portraits I created at the end of last year. This work was part of my inaugural online portrait exhibition at Starling & Campbell from 11 November - 9 December 2022. 

This is an opportunity for those who missed the first look at these pieces or for those wanting another chance to spend more time with the work. I have set up a private room on my Artwork Archive site that will be open to all who have the link, allowing you time to view, enjoy, and easily purchase these unique portraits. I hope you will take the time to experience these pieces online from your home once again.

They are all there waiting for you to say hello. Maybe you will see yourself or someone you know, or you will sense a time, a feeling, or an inside joke. These characters are an army of me and perhaps of you too. This is where we find ourselves. 

These pieces range in price from £270 - £1,800 and include international shipping. In the private room, you can mark your favourite works, message me with questions, or buy them directly and securely through PayPal. I hope you enjoy seeing these folks again. 

Enjoy and purchase the portraits here:

https://www.artworkarchive.com/rooms/megan-chapman/9db50e. 

Feel free to share the link.

In other news, if dynamic abstract prints are more your vibe - I have many affordable options in my online shop. You can listen to me tell you about them in the Tuesday Studio Video Visit. You can enjoy and purchase them in my online shop as well. https://ko-fi.com/meganchapman/shop

And last but not least: Feel good and look good! Get ready for the weekend with this deal - Free Post in the UK! My organic cotton t-shirts and totes are GM-free, not tested on animals, and made in a renewable energy-powered factory. Plus, they're printed in the UK with low-waste printing tech and audited for social and sustainability criteria. Shop now! https://gutlessapparel.teemill.com

Until next week - keep fighting, the world needs you and the gifts you bring! Thank YOU.

Fuel the Creative Fire!

Creating art can be challenging and filled with obstacles. From an artist's block to a lack of inspiration, it is not uncommon for life to get in the way of making your art. With a few simple steps, time, and care, you can get back on track and make the art you have always wanted. Whether it's getting organized, setting goals, or taking a break from your work, there are plenty of ways to overcome these obstacles and find inspiration again.

It's easy to get overwhelmed and feel like you don't know where to start. I am a big fan of taking a break and giving yourself some time away from your work. This will help clear your head and allow you to come back with fresh ideas. 

It's also essential to find ways of staying inspired, such as taking yourself out to look at art, listening to music, or watching films that spark creativity. Everyone has days when they feel like they are running out of ideas and inspiration. It's normal and ok to take a break from your work. These ebbs are part of the creative process.

Find ways to re-energize so you can get back on track. Try different non-art-related activities, or take a walk outside - whatever works for you! You may find that giving yourself permission to take a break from the endless cycle of social media promotion will help you come back with new ideas and inspirations.

Finally, don't be afraid to ask for help from others who may have gone through similar experiences or who can offer advice on how to best tackle the challenge. 

You could always book a session with an art mentor if you feel stuck while facing a challenge in your work. I offer this service and it is one of my favourite parts of my art practice. I get inspired working with other artists and watching them move forward.

I have been a professional artist for over 27 years, and during this time, I have developed a deep understanding of the creative process. My extensive knowledge and experience have made me highly skilled in identifying problems and offering solutions to help my fellow artists reach their creative goals. Together we can use creative problem-solving and develop strategies and practices to help you move forward. 

My dedication to helping others find their voice and unique spark drives me. With my strong background in art, I have the perfect skill set to support artists looking for advice and guidance in their work. My approach is tailored to each individual and their specific needs. Come get unstuck with me!

I offer one-to-one video mentoring with additional email support for artists at a crossroads with their work or feeling overwhelmed by their projects. In-person appointments can also be arranged in my studio in Leith, Edinburgh. You can book a session HERE or send me a message with any questions beforehand. I hope to hear from you and work with you soon.  

Enjoy a moment of calm and breathe with me on the latest Tuesday Studio Video Visit. Until next week, keep fighting or go take a walk...

Ready to walk out the door!

Looking for quality, vibrant art infused with mystery and you want it now? You're in luck! I've got a selection of five limited edition giclée prints that are ready to post! Usually, my prints are printed to order with an approximate one-week turnaround time, but these pieces below are ready to walk out the door!

A fine summer's day - limited edition print size A5

Link to purchase: https://ko-fi.com/s/764cabba7d

Alchemy- limited edition print size A3

Link to purchase: https://ko-fi.com/s/190da26f72

Always wanting more - limited edition print size A3

Link to purchase: https://ko-fi.com/s/da15ae6498

Secrets by the sea - limited edition print size A5

Link to purchase: https://ko-fi.com/s/8cfe680080

You can't make them say the old familiar words - limited edition print size A3

Link to purchase: https://ko-fi.com/s/91e21bb6c7
PLEASE NOTE: The available copy of this print to walk out the door on the day it was ordered has sold! 
You can still place an order for this print but with a longer turnaround time. :) 

It's no secret that artists need to make a living, which is why I offer a selection of limited-edition prints. Not only will you be supporting me, but you'll also be getting a beautiful piece of art to hang in your home. 

Why purchase a print? For one, it's affordable. You don't have to spend thousands of pounds on a piece of art when you can get a high-quality print for a fraction of the price. Plus, prints are a great way to build your collection. By purchasing a print, you're directly contributing to an artist's livelihood and that money stays in the community. It's a win-win for all involved. 

I've been picky about which prints I offer and want to ensure they're of the highest quality. I chose to have them printed locally in Leith at Bare Branding, a self-funded, not-for-profit community interest company that functions in alignment with my values. The colours are vibrant, the details are sharp, and the paper is heavy-weight and archival. The edition size is just 50 for these particular prints, so they are sure to be collectable. 

For the above available prints,  I can pop any one of these (of the four still available) in the post on the same day you order - and send it first class.

And remember, as the popular internet meme says, "support living artists, the dead ones don't need it."  There are many prints and smaller works to choose from in my shop: https://ko-fi.com/meganchapman/shop

PS. Missed my Tuesday Studio Video Visits? I've got you! Here's my first visit back to the studio in 2023! YAY! Please subscribe to my channel, like my videos, and hit the notification button. 

Thanks again for being here with me. Until next week, keep fighting. 

Thanks to this month's patrons and supporters over on Ko-fi: Pat, Tamsin, Jennifer, Bekky, Muriel, Clare, Jen and Sheila. You all are stars!

How to support artists right now

This print was purchased this week from my online shop - my first sale of the year!
Thanks, patron!

Art is often described as transformative. It has the ability to take us to new places, inspire us, and to challenge us. But what does it mean to truly support an artist? 

In a world that can often feel disheartening and bleak, art offers a source of hope. And for artists themselves, their art can be a form of self-care – a way to process and make sense of their own thoughts and experiences. For some, it is a form of catharsis – a way to release emotions that may be difficult to express in words. Unfortunately, not all artists have the same opportunities to thrive. Many struggle to make a living from their art and often go without the financial, emotional, or practical support they need to continue creating. 

This is where the role of supporters or patrons comes in. Anyone can be a supporter of artists, whether it’s through spreading the word about their work, attending their exhibitions, or simply offering words of encouragement. 

There are many ways you can get involved. Here are just a few ideas:

Share artists’ work on social media 

Attend art exhibitions and performances 

Buy artworks or commission pieces 

Donate to crowdfunding campaigns 

Support artists on Ko-fi or other Patreon-type platforms

Sign up for an artist’s mailing list 

Write reviews or articles about artists and their work 

Volunteer your time or skills to help with artist's events or promotional activities

Simply offer words of encouragement and appreciation

Whatever way you choose to support artists, know that it makes a real difference.

If you're looking for one-of-a-kind paintings and prints, take another look at my online shop. My work is inspired by music, memories, and all the little moments of alchemy that make life special. Each piece I create is meant to be treasured and to bring some mystery or joy to your life. Take a look around my shop and find something that speaks to you. Perhaps you'll find the perfect piece to brighten up your home or office.

Thanks for joining me this week for the Friday Studio Blog and for walking beside me on this path. I am very fortunate to have your support. 

Like what I share? Support me on Ko-fi. 

2023: Ever Onwards

Happy New Year!!

Thanks to everyone who waded into my 2022 year-end review blog last week. If you read it last Friday you really deserve a gold star as that was before I went back and edited. I went over it the next morning and made some major edits for ease of reading and clarity so feel free to go back and give it another try if you struggled the first time. As always the practice of writing about the year is helpful to me and allows me to see and experience it differently than just walking through it and not looking back. 

So here we are six days into 2023. How are you feeling about it? It seems too soon to judge - it takes some time to shake off the festive period and of course, we are still in the middle of winter. I feel like hibernating a bit longer. I have been for some short walks. I have done a bit of yoga. I have listened to a lot of music and I have thought about what comes next and how I want it to feel and look. It still feels vague and hazy. 

I feel like I need to do this art thing differently. Sometimes I think I need to just give up and do something entirely different but I am pretty sure that's not the way forward. I think a combination of things will need to take place. I also just think it is a matter of time. Clarity doesn't happen just because a month, day, or year rolled over. So, I will take a few steps forward, I will try a few things and I will wait and observe and try again. That's pretty much how I have done it all these years and with a lot of help. Ever onwards.

In other news, I created January's playlist for my Ko-fi Supporters. 

This month's mix casts a wider net, a worldly and electronic palette/palate cleanser - encouraging us to dream bigger in 2023. Just thinking of all the music we get to listen to is a reason to celebrate!

PS. Did you know that if you are a monthly supporter you get an automatic 10% off items in my shop? It's true! No coupon is needed - the discount is applied automatically. 

Support my work one time or monthly: https://ko-fi.com/meganchapman

Thanks to my December Wall of Famers! You make a difference!!

And that's all I have for you this week. Keep fighting, keep showing up and keep exploring this beautiful, confusing world. We need you here. 

Like my vibe? Support me!