Creativity in Dumfries and Galloway

I've just returned from a trip up north to visit my family in Dumfries and Galloway, I always forget how beautiful the scenery is.  The weather was pretty droll for a few days but the sun did shine for some of my trip.  I lived in this area until I moved to Glasgow to study at the age of seventeen so it has lots of lovely childhood memories for me.

Allan Wright Photography - Lock Ken

Allan Wright Photography - Carrick Shore

Whilst I was visiting I attended one of my Moms workshops in Journal Making. 

I like to think that I am green and recycle as much as I can, but I feel guilty that I've been throwing away so much cardboard!  We learnt how to use discarded cereal boxes,bits of cardboard, old wrapping papers etc

After this workshop I really am inspired to keep as much cardboard waste as possible and make journals, sketchbooks and whatever else I can from it!  It really is such a waste to just throw it away.  Especially when you can create unique and beautiful items that would cost so much to buy new!  Right I'm off to make a sketchbook before Freya wakes!!  

Back To Work

I have been away from the studio for two months whilst we moved into our house and started doing work. However, I now feel ready to get back to it. I'm going to the studio tomorrow so will take some pics of my space and the print room.

The picture on the right is from Spring Fling, it shows some of my new work, I have again been printing onto leather. I just love the feel of it and the contrast of the matt, smooth print with the rough leather. Spring Fling is a Scottish event which I took part in this summer in Dumfries and Galloway. It was a lovely event, with wonderfull settings and fabulous people. It really inspired me.

Press Release : 29 January 2008Spring Fling, Scotland’s premiere art and craft open studio event is all set for its sixth successive year. From 24-26 May 2008 Dumfries & Galloway will see 73 studios and workshops across the region open their doors and offer a warm welcome to visitors wishing to explore and discover the varied individual creative spaces on offer. This is the largest number of studios participating in the event to date and promises regular and new ‘Spring Flingers’ alike the exciting chance to indulge in quality arts and crafts.Taking place across the whole of the region Spring Fling’s success is felt by many and is truly a great annual celebration of the region’s creativity. The Spring Fling visitors experience is enhanced by the setting of the event in a region rich in heritage, culture, wildlife and natural beauty. Indeed, it is this beauty which has provided the inspiration and home to many of the artists and makers participating in Spring Fling. Chair of Education and Community Services Councillor Sandra McDowall commented, ‘Spring Fling is the perfect opportunity for visitors to experience this combination of creative and natural riches. The Council is proud to have supported the event over its six years, seeing the highly regarded event enhance the reputation of Dumfries & Galloway as the natural place to enjoy events.’