When I go there

Created by master miniature artist 'Ryu Seung Ho', South Korea.

I was waiting to go to a meeting this morning and the news of the world was getting me down and social media was doing no better. I switched over to Pinterest which at times can serve a bit like a weighted blanket for my psyche. The AI curated images filled the page and the above image was one of them. My jaw clenched in excitement and my palms began to sweat. I had to look closer... oh my heaven what is this? For a minute I didn't know what I was looking at - is this a painting? Is this a photo, wait - what is this? I slowed down and realised it was a miniature, a 3D model, and then expertly photographed to imply scale, space, and atmosphere. 

I had to share it on Facebook because to me it felt good, it brought me joy and nourishment. I wrote "...a wondrous image... The light and everything in the space sing songs back and forth to invite you in. What a composition." And then I got on with my day. 

Later (after another superb Scottish Artists Union meeting), I checked Facebook and my friend and patron, Rosa Macpherson (who once inspired a whole body of work simply with a comment) had written under the above image, "Could you give a little explanation of your views on your weekly blog? I’d love to know more and what you see in the light that makes it sing songs… how this miniature world speaks to you?"

And so here we are. It is a good exercise to put these feelings and thoughts into words - to slow down and explain myself. 

First, let's go back to my initial reaction to this image. This for me, is a gut punch to the senses because I don't just view this world- I get sucked into it and suddenly I am in the light, I am in the space, I feel the air - I feel the heavy shadows. These lines are crisp- they are talking. The miniature modelling is done to perfection, but the photography and light really bring the scene to life so that we can go there. Viewing this image is like playing with a dollhouse as a child but we don't play with a dollhouse, do we? We go inside it, move the furniture, and live there as long as possible. These types of images have an incredible effect on me. 

For me, the light is sentimental, hot, and harsh. I feel nostalgia for a place I have never been. Ryu Seung Ho's work calls to my mind several of my favourite artists shown below. Can you see or feel a connection?

Wayne Thiebaud (American, b. 1920.) 24th Street Intersection Study, 1978.
Watercolor on paper, 10 x 14 in./25.4 x 35.5 cm. © Wayne Thiebaud.

Richard Diebenkorn’s Cityscape #1, 1963. Illustration:
2014 The Richard Diebenkorn Foundation

Gregory Crewdson, Starkfield Lane, 2018–19,

digital pigment print, 56 ¼ × 94 ⅞ inches (127 × 225.7 cm)

Edward Hopper, Rooms by the Sea, 1951, Oil on canvas

29 1/4 × 40 in. (74.3 × 101.6 cm)

Bequest of Stephen Carlton Clark, B.A. 1903

Yale University Art Gallery

I feel that these pieces share a certain lineage and understanding of time, space, and light as well as shadow and line. The artists use these elements to pull us into the image and help us to create a narrative.

Looking back to the original image and the "singing" that I referenced... 

Ryu Seung Ho

This artist knows the power of the diagonal and the photographer and or the person responsible for this crop knows the rule of thirds. The metal frame chair in the foreground pulls you into the scene and then shoots you from the foreground to the desk chair and then up the blue wall to the light cutting across into another diagonal. These are all brilliant methods of encouraging our eye to move through the space which then allows our brain to inhabit it as well. The harsh shadows and lines are pulling and (yes I would say, singing, vibrating, calling, summoning us) to come in in in. I have to write it like that in hopes that it helps you feel the way it might feel in my brain when I see this image. In, In, In, - to this emphatic, yearning, real-time - space. Look at the slant of the shoeshine box - pulling you in. Look at the shadow of the safe, pulling you in. The line across the blue and white wall is pulling you into the back corner. 

Now we have to remember that this is actually a 3D space in miniature, that has then been reduced to a photograph, but it has such painterly attributes that it is very hard for me to not think of it as such. The colour is doing double duty here as well. Look at that orange oxide in the right corner and then skip over again to the warm colour of the wood in the shoeshine box and then the cool grey-blue of the metal desk and then bam! back up the blue wall. In, In, In. This piece serves as a colour study as well, and nothing is an accident. I mean that green box on the corner of the desk - it just makes me want to cry - it works in tonal perfection with the desk. 

These lines and shadows are songs, these are stories, and these colours are sensibilities served with particular punctuation. Composition is key in this world yet just dishevelled enough to be believed but also meticulously planned so that it hits all the sweet spots in our brains. Well, in my brain. But also can't you just feel it? Or hear it? 

Singing, crackling, and dynamic - in this work I have gone somewhere unexpected, and through it, I can see my own world anew.

Things are getting clear

Thanks to all my Arkansas and Southern United States supporters. I am delighted that 5 originals and 4 limited edition prints sold during my special 2-week online sale. 

These are the pieces that sold. 

A most perfect obstacle
signed limited edition print
11.7x16.5"
© 2017 Megan Chapman
1/25
Sold

What should have been said
signed limited edition print
11.7x16.5"
© 2017 Megan Chapman
1/25
Sold

Just under the surface
signed limited edition print
11.7x16.5"
© 2017 Megan Chapman
1/25
Sold

Deluge
signed limited edition print
11.7x11.7"
© 2017 Megan Chapman
1/25
Sold

Tomorrow's mysteries
Mixed media on canvas
5.75x5.75"
© 2017 Megan Chapman
Sold

To unwind the darkness
mixed media on canvas
6x8.5"
© 2016 Megan Chapman
Sold

To return
12x12" mixed media on panel
© 2014 Megan Chapman
Sold

In the house you live
12x12" mixed media on panel
© 2014 Megan Chapman
Sold

Adrift
12x12" mixed media on panel
© 2014 Megan Chapman
Sold

Thank you so much! You all made my month and raised funds for AbleTalks and the important work they do! Special thanks to Jeanne Parham and Barbara Jaquish, and a huge extra thanks to Maggie Ivy for helping me with this sale. 

If you missed my Tuesday Studio Video Visit you can catch it below. I had a bit of fun and painted just for the joy and expression of it and had a few laughs. Perhaps you would like to do the same. 

Next week I will have new stories to tell. I hope you will join me. I love communicating with you about my art, life, and process. Thank you for being part of the experience. Things are getting clear and will be changing and I am excited. Stay tuned... 

And until next week, keep fighting. 

Arkansas Sale! Last 2 days!

Oh Arkansas, I am still looking at you...

These are the last two days of my special sale of original works and limited edition prints. I am delighted that seven pieces have sold already but there is still time to find the perfect work for your collection, support my work, and support the work of AbleTalks too! The sale continues until Saturday at midnight. Visit the sale here: https://www.artworkarchive.com/rooms/megan-chapman/79a12b

Please know that while this sale is pointed towards locals in Fayetteville and Northwest Arkansas if you are further afield and need a piece posted to you elsewhere in the United States we can make arrangements. Shipping will simply be an additional charge. Hit the purchase button under the piece you are interested in on the sale site and it will send me a message with any questions or concerns you have. Here are a few of my favourite remaining pieces still available in the sale. 

Listen to the wind

Mixed Media on Canvas

15 x 21 cm

(5.91 x 8.27 in)

£60.30

Click here to see this piece on the sale site

Dissonance

Mixed Media on Canvas

15 x 21 cm

(5.91 x 8.27 in)

£60.30

Click here to see this piece on the sale site

Conversation at 3 a.m.

Mixed Media on Canvas

15 x 21 cm

(5.91 x 8.27 in)

£60.30

Click here to see this piece on the sale site

Our stories align
Giclée print on heavyweight archival matte paper
41.91 x 29.69 cm
(16.5 x 11.69 in)
£44.22
Click here to see this piece on the sale site

Places to become lost

Giclée print on heavyweight archival matte paper

29.69 x 29.69 cm

(11.69 x 11.69 in)

£40.00

Click here to see this piece on the sale site

Adrift

Mixed media on deep edged wood panel

30 x 30 cm

(11.81 x 11.81 in)

£160.80

Click here to see this piece on the sale site

Patch and repair

Mixed media on deep edged wood panel

30 x 30 cm

(11.81 x 11.81 in)

£160.80

Click here to see this piece on the sale site

Thanks again to my Arkansas patrons and the good folks in Georgia and Louisiana who have purchased works from my special sale. It really warms my heart to hear from you - even just notes of support or a quick hello in reaction to my sale posts on social media and through email.

You all really are a tough act to follow and you must know that when people ask where I am from, I proudly say Arkansas. Your spirit is in my heart and shines through in everything I do.

Let me know if you have any questions - use my contact form on my website (meganchapman.com or hit purchase on the site - no fear it just sends me a message at first).

Visit the sale here: https://www.artworkarchive.com/rooms/megan-chapman/79a12b

Thank you again for your continued support of my work, past, present, and future.

In other news, I have been recovering from the weekend spent at the palace for Inception. I wish you all could have been there. Thanks to the locals who came out in support of the artists. It is always an experience...

Soon, new paintings and drawings will be born from a place of mystery and hope. A rebirth is imminent.

Form your own mutual aid societies (maybe it only takes 2 people)
Make your own syndicates, apply for grants or aid and spread the wealth
Give things away but don't work for free
Talk to vulnerable people in the street
Be prepared to get it wrong
Give your radical thoughts voice
Join your union

Inception this weekend at Dalkeith Palace!

Paintings from my " A Delicate Balance" series at the Dalkeith Palace

Another work from my series "A Delicate Balance" in situ for Inception at the Dalkeith Palace

I love the juxtaposition of modern art lining the walls of this gorgeous stately manor. I am pleased to be back at Inception for a second time at the Dalkeith Palace and this time with my fellow Abstractionistas! We have a gorgeous room on the main floor just before the grand stairs and we are excited to share our works with you. 

There is so much art to see, experience, enjoy, and purchase in such a beautiful setting. 

Come see the Abstractionistas:

Megan Chapman
Susan Elizabeth Wilson
Judith Shaylor Art

Susan Wilson's work on the left wall and Judith Shaylor's on the right

Judith Shaylor's work

Don’t miss this exhibition, folks! See you at Inception, Friday - Sunday, May 6-8. Get your tickets here: https://www.dalkeithcountrypark.co.uk/.../inception-art-show

Please note: If you are coming to say hello to me specifically, on Friday, I will step away from my art from 11-12:30 for a union meeting via Zoom that I can't miss. But I will be on the premises and available for the duration of the exhibition all three days otherwise. I would love to see you.

Congratulations to the organisers and all our fellow participating artists! I am really looking forward to all the spirited and intimate conversations about art over this long weekend. Please do come and say hello!

In other news:

If you missed it here's the Tuesday Studio Video Visit: Here

And here's the Arkansas local's sale information: Here

Northwest Arkansas, my art is with YOU!

Dissonance
mixed media on canvas
6x8.5" © Megan Chapman 
$75.00

Listen to the wind
mixed media on canvas
6x8.5" © Megan Chapman
$75.00

Dear Northwest Arkansas Friends and Art Lovers,

I may be miles from Arkansas living and working in Edinburgh, Scotland but this special collection of original works and limited edition prints are with you in Fayetteville and available now to purchase for two weeks only! This special online sale runs from April 29th to May 13th.

These works once reserved and pre-purchased online will be available for collection from the Ozark Natural Foods outdoor dining area from my friend and fellow artist Maggie Ivy on Saturday, May 14th from 12-2 pm. There will be no work for sale at the collection site - only pick up of presold/paid for works.

20% (after PayPal fees) will be donated to Northwest Arkansas charity, Able Talks "providing high-quality learning experiences for young adults with autism."

If you have any questions regarding the sale or collection of these pieces click the purchase button, this will send me an email to simply start the conversation. To finalise your purchase I will send you a PayPal invoice.

Currently, my archive only allows me to post in GBP (£). Here are the conversion rates (these can vary slightly).

Works on deep edge wood panel: £160.80 ($200.00)
Small rectangular slim profile canvases: £60.30 ($75.00)
Small square slim profile canvas: £52.26 ($65.00)
Limited edition prints - square: £40.00 ($49.75)
Limited edition prints - rectangle: £44.22 ($55.00)

Thank you for your continued support of my work, you are a rare and wonderful community of art lovers and a tough act for any city to follow.

Sincerely yours,
Megan Chapman

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE AVAILABLE WORK

In the house you live
12x12" mixed media on panel
© Megan Chapman
$200

Our stories align
signed limited edition print
11.7x16.5"
© 2017 Megan Chapman
1/25
$55.00

A most perfect obstacle
signed limited edition print
11.7x16.5"
© Megan Chapman 1/25
$55.00

I have only shared a few of the available pieces here in my blog. There are 11 original works on panel and canvas and 11 limited edition prints to choose from. When you click the purchase button it will send me a message with any questions or concerns you may have and we can go from there. Reach out - there are no silly questions, I just want you to live with my art and support a great organisation in the process. 

Thanks! 

- Megan 

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE AVAILABLE WORK

In Scottish art news, I will be setting up my work along with the Abstractionistas and many other talented artists at the Dalkeith Palace this next Wednesday for the Inception exhibition on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, May 6-8th. Get tickets to attend. 

See you there! https://www.dalkeithcountrypark.co.uk/event/inception-art-show/

In the house you live

Outside the window

I am watching pink blossoms and their greenery dance in the breeze outside along the window sill. Theo, my cat, sits on the other side of the window stretched out on my desk while soaking up the sun. I am resting on the sofa across the room with a wee knee injury (nothing serious - just got a bit overzealous with my fitness last week). 

Earlier today, I had my third session of training in the Fair Work Rep series through the Scottish Artists Union. I am learning a lot in these sessions and really enjoying getting to know the other artists that are participating. I even dug out my union badge and have been wearing it with pride. 

If you are an artist in Scotland, please consider joining your union. We are stronger together and the benefits are immense. Become a member.

In other art-related news this week, the Abstractionistas took our exhibition down at Detour Espresso yesterday. Thank you to everyone who enjoyed "Awakenings" at Detour. It was a lovely and friendly venue and we enjoyed sharing our work with you. 

We have also been getting ready for our next exhibition as part of Inception at Dalkeith Palace. Signing our contracts, sending in our label information, and getting all our ducks in a row. 

I will have 6 larger pieces in the exhibition in the palace as well as 9 canvas smaller framed works and 9 small raw canvas mounted works in the pop-up shop space depending. Showcasing a range of my work to suit most budgets and tastes. I know Susan Wilson and Judith Shaylor and all the other brilliant artists and organisers are working hard to bring you the very best!

Get your tickets here: 

https://www.dalkeithcountrypark.co.uk/event/inception-art-show/

After cleaning my studio up last week, I have also begun the process of moving some of my paintings and materials that had migrated to my home during the pandemic back to the studio. Hopefully, we will get my pal settled into the space for the start of May and maybe I will start painting again. 

Conversation at 3 a.m.
Mixed media on canvas 6x8.5"
© 2014 Megan Chapman 

This next bit is for those in Arkansas and specifically my hometown of Fayetteville. I am in the early stages of organising an online sale of some of my works that are actually all still there in Fayetteville looking for good homes. Stay tuned, locals! (the two pieces of art in the post are just two examples).

Royal Botanic Gardens

In other non-art related news, I have really been enjoying the spring in Edinburgh, the sunshine has been divine. The flowers are blooming like mad and the trees are just starting to leaf out. Such joy for this time of year to come around again. I made it a point to visit my favourite graveyard, the botanic gardens, and a favourite park this past week along with a few other choice walks and suntraps. I even walked through The Meadows blooming on the way to take down the show at Detour.

And here I am on the sofa with a sore knee, but I will be back amongst the flowers soon enough.

In the house you live
Mixed media on panel
12x12"
© 2014 Megan Chapman

Dear Artists,

Stand up for yourselves. Stop working for free. Stop underselling your work and yourself. Challenge the way the art world functions and who it is set up to benefit. Set boundaries. Exposure doesn't pay the bills. We must support and encourage each other. We are in the same fight. We are not in competition. Share your secrets and let's reach our goals together as a unified front. Get organised. 

Don't forget to rest and to allow yourself time for joy. Remember what you wanted to express in the first place - you probably won't find it on Instagram but you might find it in your heart, your mind's eye, or in the pit of your stomach. Let it out. We can take it.

Love,
Megan

******

Want to leave me £3 ($3.91) in exchange for my work (words, art, videos, and photographs)? It's easy and it feels good to be a supporter!

Click here: https://ko-fi.com/meganchapman 

Thank you!

I know where I have been

It was a good week. On Tuesday I spent 9 hours in my studio, moving, cleaning, and touching everything - making space. As I handled my materials and put my like objects with like objects, I remembered a little more about what I have dedicated my life to and what I value. I enjoyed my time in the studio - it felt good with new energy and purpose.

Box cutters, scissors, glue, twine, pastels, charcoal, brush after brush, paint, papers and canvas, work in progress, and finished works were all there on hold, patiently waiting for my return.

They issued statements, dedications, lamentations, and more importantly declarations.

I make things and experiences. I elicit feelings. I love it when you feel. Better you than me. Just kidding, feelings drip off me like honey. I have feelings to spare, have a spoonful. 

I posted a Tuesday Studio Video Visit after my marathon clean, if you haven't seen it yet, here it is again.

In other news, I also made time to pop by a friend's exhibition this week. Esther Donaldson was showing her brilliant portraits as part of a 3 woman show called, “Untraced Stories” at Dundas Street Gallery. I’m lucky I caught it just before it closed.

Find and follow these talented artists on Instagram and beyond.

@estherdonaldsonart / Esther Donaldson

@justinemarymiller / Justine Miller

@rosybpainter / Rosy Barnes

I was too busy chatting with the artists and enjoying the exhibition to take photos, but here’s a photo of my newest acquisition - this wonderful portrait by Esther Donaldson. I have wanted one of her fabulous portraits for a while now, so I’m delighted!

Portrait by Esther Donaldson

Detail by Esther Donaldson

Besides all of this, there has been meditation, yoga, exercise, walks, other bits and pieces of work and all the self-care you can shake a stick at. I love the spring - the flowers, the fresh green, and the new beginnings.

This morning, I listened to this old song and danced.

Try it and then continue to fight the power. Joy is necessary!

Thank you for your support.