Hebridean artist launches new work

A NEW body of work launched by well-known Hebridean artist Seonaid Clarke highlights the versatility and natural beauty of Harris Tweed.

Using the Tweed as the canvas for her Hebridean inspired landscapes, Seonaid – originally from Lewis, but now living on the east coast – will début her new collection at this month’s inaugural Aberdeen Art Fair.

Following the successful project of producing textile art on material for use in bridal wear, Seonaid began experimenting with the Tweed. And as texture has always been an important aspect to her work, using the traditional cloth appeared a natural step for the Western Isles artist.

Working on such an absorbent material has presented some interesting challenges,” she admits. “But it’s been immensely satisfying and exciting seeing each piece of work evolve.”

Despite the challenges however, Seonaid has worked her creative magic and turned the idea of ‘mixed media’ on its head.

Her work is very atmospheric, capturing the dramatic light of the vast open skies and the majesty of the grasses and heathers that clothe her native islands.

She says: “It’s like painting on pure inspiration. The fabric that comes from the landscape is the perfect media for my work. I can capture the movement of the grass and the roughness of the heather on Tweed, which is simply not possible on other media.

“It adds another dimension to my artwork in every sense and it’s so exciting to be painting on a Hebridean product. It’s like being home again.”

And the result on display at the Country Frames Gallery stand at the Aberdeen Art Fair, Aberdeen Music Hall, August 13 and 14, is a really unique creation that is pure Eilean Siar – Western Isles

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles