Rhythms of Skaill

When I started this artwork back in April I fully expected to be finished by July at the very latest, but that quickly went out the window. It has been a difficult year to be honest and my artwork had to take a back seat for a few months while my energy was directed elsewhere. Abandoning an artwork half way through wasn't ideal but I knew it would wait for me. Eventually I returned to it in ernest in September and pushed it over the finishing line. Better late than never.

 "Rhythms of Skaill" *sold*
Handwoven tapestry
Materials: cotton, linen, rayon and wool woven on cotton warp.
Size: approx. 88.5cm x 35cm (35" x 14")

 

 

My artwork is continuing with the exploration of ripples within the landscape: how they repeat and reflect one another and their rhythmic flow across the landscape. This particular artwork is based on Skaill beach, below the neolithic site of Skara Brae on the west coast of Mainland Orkney.

The light was overcast the day I visited Skaill beach, creating soft colours and an almost hazy atmosphere.  In contrast to the muted subtlety there was a strong visual progression of ripples: frothy tidal traces left behind on the sand from the ebb and flow of the tide, moving up to rolling waves and gently undulating sea which then met expansive banks of clouds. I was immediately drawn to this careful balance of subtlety and strength. 

 

  detail - in the distance is the Hole o' Rowe, a sea-worn hole in the cliff at Skaill.

 

I knew I wanted to play with texture in this artwork, both for visual interest since the mood and colours were gentle and subtle, but also to pull out the rhythmic flow of the ripples. The detail photographs above and below show the variety of textural surfaces in this piece: single and double weft, half hitch knots and carpet knots (the tufted pile.) From the very beginning I had an inexplicable, strong urge to create a tufted wave. I love its boldness in form and how the low relief naturally creates a shadow, adding to the sense of depth in the wave.

 

detail - wet sand and tidal lines.

 

detail - wave and sea.

 

detail - sky.

This tapestry is now sold, has been delivered to its new owner and is happily hanging in its new home. Now that I've settled all the post-artwork admin (which always takes up a surprising amount of time) and had a much needed break I can fully settle into exploring some other ideas which have been bubbling in the background. Here's to a productive winter of drawing, painting and most likely weaving!