Black Isle Art Project
Older artists from the Black Isle saw their finished work printed in front of them at the Highland Print Studio in Inverness last week.
With funding from The Highland Council’s Black Isle Ward discretionary budget two groups from North Kessock and Cromarty watched months of hard work become finalised when the images appeared printed on a state of the art 44in Epson printer. Each image took half an hour to complete and was printed on top quality Somerset cotton paper.
Linda Odd, Age Concern Scotland Community Worker, who co-ordinated the project said: “Participants were asked to bring along personal objects and photographs that had special significance for them. These objects were then photographed and digitally layered over two well known original paintings. The Kessock group choose Horatio McCulloch`s The Clyde from Dalnottar Hill and the Cromarty group used Caspar David Freiderich`s The Stages of Life as their backgrounds.
Eleanor White from Bridge House Art, Ullapool, explained, “A combination of hands on techniques, mono-printing and painting, was combined with digital photography. The results are delightful. The project was fascinating.”
Linda Odd added, “The finished images are to be hung in the Cromarty and North Kessock communities. They are approximately 133cms by 95cms. So they will need a big space to be viewed to their best advantage.”
Ann Short, a keen Cromarty participant said: “This has been an exciting project. I looked forward to every session. The artists really inspired us with their enthusiasm and knowledge. The finished pictures are amazing.”
Artist, John MacNaught, from Cromarty, whose expertise with digital imaging is well known, said: “The work has made subtle use of the newest technologies alongside more traditional techniques.”
Speaking on behalf of the Black Isle Ward members Councillor Isobel McCallum said: “We are all absolutely delighted with the way the project has turned out. The idea grew from a Ward Forum we held focussing on services to older people. The art work produced is beautiful and touching. Having spoken to participants it is clear to us that there is such benefit from participating in arts activities. People learned new skills, had fun and made new friends.
“We would like to thank all those involved in making this project such a success. We hope to display the pictures at the Black Isle Leisure Centre and in various council offices. Along with members of the Black Isle Ward Forum and Healthways we are planning a festival for Older People in May or June this year-so look out for more information on this and if you would like to be involved please contact The Highland Council’s Black Isle Ward Manager Diane Agnew.”