A late visitor to the studio brings new inspiration

Shona Skinner from The Shetland Gallery brought a visitor this week into the studio: Gillian McFarland.

It is surprising how many people are visiting the isles this year, even in the off-season. It is encouraging to see that people are still wanting to head north in what are the shortest days of the year, and we love meeting new people! Gillian got in touch with Shona and they came across to see the studio and have a chat. Fingers crossed we meet again, Gillian, and thanks both for coming across. 

Gillian studied Fine Art at Saint Martins in London and Art Therapy in Edinburgh and now works both collaboratively with other artists and scientists and on her own pieces. Take a look at these paper pieces which employ ink with punching and piercing to make intricate artworks. 

Gillian also sent us a link to Willow Stacey, an artist who uses a sharp wit and craft for her work, especially in the project entitled Things Men Say which contains some things that some readers may find shocking... and that is the point!

Alison Carpenter-Hughes uses stitch, recycled materials and photography for her work, including Forty Winks (on this page) which is a large-scale installation. 

Lastly, Ruth Singer has created a project which utilises antique photographs of women prisoners in Stafford for quilted pieces. Apparently the quilts are on tour in 2020 and 2021. If you get a chance to see them please get in touch and let us know what you think. 

If you also happen to be in Shetland and fancy coffee and a chat do pop in and visit. We love seeing old and new friends.