Artists from Cumbria, Ayrshire and the Borders Leap into Spring Fling
Neighbours scheme gives high quality artists outwith Dumfries and Galloway the chance to join Scotland’s premier open studios event
Five excellent artists from Ayrshire, the Borders and Cumbria are exhibiting in the prestigious Spring Fling visual art and craft open studios event.
Spring Fling in Dumfries and Galloway, which takes place from 24-26 May, is recognized as the leading event of its kind in Scotland, largely because all the participants are hand-picked to guarantee their quality.
The Neighbours scheme was developed to strengthen links between the arts communities in D&G and surrounding areas of England and Scotland.
This year sees provides a chance to see work by three highly distinctive exhibitors from Cumbria, a superbly talented willow weaver from Ayrshire and a Borders painter with a passion for the Scottish coast.
Leah Black, Spring Fling Director, said: “The artists from neighbouring regions each bring a real fizz to Spring Fling – they are a hugely accomplished group covering all sorts of different areas of visual art and crafts.
“Ceri Allen’s paintings of scenes from urban life are really compelling, and Heather Davies’ abstract landscapes have already proved very popular at the recent Spring Fling exhibition in Newcastle, while Dorothy Ramsay’s work has a superbly lively and colourful character.
“We are really pleased to welcome Geoff Forrest back again, his willow weaving is of the highest quality and visitors love to watch his demonstrations. It’s great to be able to bring someone to Dumfries who is normally tucked away in the tranquil remoteness of Loch Doon.
“Deborah Campbell’s exhibition of work inspired by the Scottish coastline will really be worth seeing. She has a wonderful style that really captures the essence of our beaches and oceans.
“We are really looking forward to welcoming visitors from all over Scotland and England to this year’s Spring Fling – with 95 studios to choose from it will be a wonderful way to enjoy the bank holiday weekend.”
About the artists
Ayrshire
• Geoff Forrest – willow weaver from Lardoughty Farm, near Loch Doon, Ayrshire, exhibiting at CatStrand in New Galloway.
“Spring brings the end of the living willow season and finds me back in the studio sorting willow ready to make baskets, leaf forms, figures, strangely named platters and a host of other twisted, woven, tensioned objects. The seasons govern and influence all I do.”
What to expect: “In my temporary residence at the CatStrand I will be demonstrating making plant supports while answering your willowy questions and explaining the techniques of willow weaving. I will have a range of woven objects and some interesting things growing in pots… curious?”
Borders
• Deborah Campbell – visual artist from Peebles, exhibiting in Langholm Town Hall.
“My work is an exploration and expression of the coastal landscape; I take inspiration from the detail that occurs through the interaction of the land and sea. I like to work outside responding directly to my subject using acrylic and watercolours.”
What to expect: “I will be exhibiting my new collection of paintings, drawings and textiles inspired by the coastal scenery of Scotland. I will also have my sketchbooks on show and plan to be working on some large charcoal drawings throughout the exhibition.”
Cumbria
• Ceri Allen – painter specialising in urban scenes, from Carlisle, exhibiting in Gracefield Arts Centre, Dumfries.
Ceri Allen is interested in portraying the figure in an urban environment using traditional picture making techniques. Her oil paintings are worked from preparatory sketches, photographs and memories. The Etchings are interpretations of her painted work.
What to expect: Visitors will find a working artist’s studio. They will have the opportunity to see the materials and equipment used – including source material used in production of the painted work. They can also view and participate in the ‘daily drawing’ which will be on display.
• Heather Davies – abstract landscape painter, from Penrith, Cumbria, exhibiting in Rockliffe.
Heather’s work is an emotional response to the natural world. Her choice of colour varies from intense reds to subtle greys and even black. This often sombre palette adds a sense of drama to the finished painting, creating a mysterious mix of reality and abstraction.
What to expect: “I have been painting in Scotland for over 30 years, and am therefore delighted to be part of Spring Fling. I will show my preparatory drawings and demonstrate my working methods. Original framed paintings, reproductions and greeting cards will be for sale.”
• Dorothy Ramsay – painter and printmaker from Penrith, Cumbria, exhibiting in Dalton Village Hall.
“I am a painter/printmaker. The drawings are ether interpreted in a romantic realism or taken into an abstraction. My subject is landscape using the drawings done outside. The work is lively and often colourful. The etchings and wood cuts allow me to be playful and produce art work which can be sold at a reasonable price.”
What to Expect: “I will, if space allows, bring my etching press and demonstrate this method of creating editions of drawings. If you are stuck with your own drawings I am happy to attempt some encouragement. I will be working on a current oil painting.”
