And to keep the bad puns going we think this cat by Grace is just PURRRRFECT!
Exhibitions
Artlink presents a changing exhibition programme across four dedicated gallery spaces at the Royal Infirmary, Western General, St John’s and Royal Edinburgh Hospitals.
The exhibitions change every 3 to 4 months and display an exciting range of work; from the ever popular Hospital Open Exhibition showcasing the creative talents of patients and staff across NHS Lothian Hospitals, to photographic journeys by hospital staff, and exhibitions curated from work in the NHS Lothian Collection, local museums and community archives.
Where are the galleries?
The Royal Infirmary Pelican Gallery can be found on the ground floor south corridor just off the main mall, next to OPD4.
The Gallery at the Western General is in the ground floor link corridor between the Alexander Donald and Anne Ferguson buildings.
St John’s Hospital Gallery is on the 2nd floor next to the dining room.
In Stitches: Anne Elliot – Forest
Anne is currently working on this forest piece and was inspired by a David Hockney painting. We think that Anne can definitely see the woods for the trees!
Anne says, ‘’The Hockney landscape paintings are vast in size and on viewing them I felt drenched in colour. They have had a lasting impact on me. It has been a challenge to break away from the original Hockney – I found myself being slavishly true to the original. I really enjoyed being unleashed with colour after monochrome Meg. Working with embroidery threads for the first time made my stitches much smaller and tighter than the wool used in creating Meg. Working in tandem with others through the ‘In Stitches’ group kept me going with this project which so easily could have joined all the other unfinished garments from decades ago.’’
In Stitches: Anne Elliot – Meg
Anne has lovingly captured her Mum’s dog Meg in this beautiful piece. As Franklin Jones said ‘Scratch a dog and you’ll find a permanent job’!
Anne says ‘’Thanks to lockdown and Laura Lees this was my first venture in sewing for 3 decades. I was surprised and encouraged by this perfect tonic to lockdown. Homemade size 12 dresses have been replaced by a pictorial interpretation of my favourite family dog Meg, using freestyle stitching. I was trying to draw with thread and fabric, enjoying the textures and working with limited resources at home. For a change I can be the one to say, I have not done this since school!’’
In Stitches: Dorothy – Bass Rock
Dorothy: Bass Rock
Dorothy is currently working on a new piece which is inspired by a painting she has of the Bass Rock. We love how she is capturing the monumental form of the rock itself. Dorothy says, “The Bass Rock is inspired by childhood memories of holidays and weekends spent in a caravan at North Berwick. I feel grateful for the knowledge I’ve received on different techniques and the sharing of ideas. It has been great via Zoom to receive weekly updates.”
In Stitches: Dorothy – Owl
Dorothy: Owl
Is Dorothy a wise old owl? we think so, though she may dispute the old part of that! We love the character Dorothy has managed to capture in the Owl. HOOT HOOT HOORAY! Dorothy says, “I have an affinity with owls and elephants for some reason!”
In Stitches: Anna Becker – Kilimanjaro
Anna Becker – Kilimanjaro
Anna is currently working on a piece inspired by Kilmanjaro. It’s not finished yet but you can see how its progressing and we will upload images of all the finished pieces at the end of the project. From a humble teapot to a vast landscape!
In Stitches: Anna Becker – Teapot and Cup
Anna Becker – Teapot and Cup
For this piece Anna took inspiration from the things around her, things that most people have like a teapot and a mug. We love the finished cushion, and it shows how everyday objects spark joy! Anna said,
“I was really not sure when I started this. It wasn’t something I would normally have thought of doing but I found myself enjoying making new stitches although I was never sure how it would turn out. It’s not perfect, but I quite like the finished product.”
Edinburgh Landmarks – Drawings and Paintings from The REH Open Art Studios
The Edinburgh Landmarks exhibition has just finished at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital and we decided to create a small publication to celebrate the creativity of the participants. Each of the people who took part in the exhibition received a copy as a thank you for taking part, as most were not able to see their work on display in the exhibition, they all loved it and so do we. View a selection of works, as well as the publication itself.
Next in the Link Gallery is an exhibition of drawings by Albert Nicolson. A series of beautiful line drawings of hats created in Artlink workshops at the R.E.H. Some of you may remember them from the Mark Dion exhibition at the Talbot Rice Gallery in 2014 as part of Ever Present Past.
We are also talking to Hans K Clausen, Hospital Exhibitions Manager, Tonic Arts Programme about developing another exhibition to go into the REH. Watch this space.
Forth Rail Bridge, GCG, Eden Ward.
Scott Monument – Neil Gaffney
Ramsay Gardens – Michelangelo
Scott Monument – Gemma Valentine
Calton Hill – Guiseppe Zappa
The Clock of My Dreams – Maggie Keppie
You can view the Edinburgh Landmarks booklet below, or view full-screen at Issuu (external link).
Open Show 2018: Call for Submissions
It’s nearly time for the annual staff and patient exhibition! This year it will be taking place in the gallery at the Western General Hospital from 1st March – April 2018.
The exhibition so far has been developed by illustrator Laura Cave Macgowan, in collaboration with staff and patients who responded to an earlier call for ideas. She would like to invite you to explore the theme of ‘escapism’ through art, by considering the use of mark-making, lines and pattern in making a piece of work. Perhaps you could take inspiration from what you do to relax or ground yourself. Whether its gardening, visiting a landscape or reading your favourite book, you might want to focus on a detail, such as the surface of a leaf, tiles on a floor, or something more abstract – be as imaginative as you wish!
If you’d like to take part, please read the guidelines and complete the submissions form, returning it to us by Monday 12th February. All artwork should be framed and handed in to the Artlink office by Monday 19th February.
We’re very much looking forward to seeing all of your unique and creative responses to the theme.
If you any questions, then please get in touch.