Three New Illustrations
Inspired by nature, folk tradition, and the built environment
The first few months of the year are a quiet time in terms of markets and events, so I’ve been using the time to make some new work before things pick up towards summer.
The three new illustrations in the post below explore different aspects of Scottish history and culture, drawing inspiration from nature, folk tradition, and the built environment.
They take a slightly different direction to my previous work, experimenting more with colour. If anything catches your eye, I also have made everything available as prints and cards up on the online shop.
Fragments of Scotland
This first illustration is a tapestry of Scottish history and culture, drawing together locations, objects and artefacts which capture various aspects of Scotland’s story. Here’s what you’ll find, row by row:
Top row (left to right): clarsach (Celtic harp) → tolbooth → Scottish literature
Second row: Schiehallion → Declaration of Arbroath
Third row: Birlinn (Highland galley) → tenement → Wallace Monument
Bottom row: Iona → Scots pine → thistles → Pictish stone → Forth Rail Bridge
Castle Interior
This illustration was inspired by the architecture and design of traditional Scottish tower houses, with interior details showing living spaces, stairs, halls, and an array of folk-art style thistly furniture. Early Scottish furniture often was quite thistly, as seen below in the abbot’s house at Arbroath Abbey:
Scots Pine
And finally, the Scots Pine (guithas-Albannach), is Scotland’s national tree. The pine can live up to an astonishing 700 years, making it an icon of both Scotland’s natural history and its cultural memory.
These trees are distinctive for their reddish bark, wind-swept twisted trunks, and upraised branches. Some of them are remnants of the ancient Caledonian Forest which once covered much of the Scottish mainland.
Upcoming markets
I’ll be making an appearance at a few different makers’ markets, fairs, and community festivals this spring and early summer, starting this weekend with the Grange Fair and Porty Festival. Follow the links below to find out more.
10 May: Grange Fair (Newington Library, Edinburgh) 1pm - 4.30pm.
11 May: Porty Festival Market (Portobello, Edinburgh) 10am - 4pm.
17 May: Glasgow Craft & Flea (The Briggait, Glasgow) 11am - 5pm.
7 & 8 June: Meadows Festival (Meadows, Edinburgh) 10am - 6pm.
14 June: Leith Gala Day (Leith Links, Edinburgh) 11am - 5pm.