September – The Artist in Studio Hundy

Swallows & Martins on the move

Summer visit almost over

“The preparation” – Pastel & Charcoal sketch 2023

As September begins, a sure sign that summer is coming to a close is the change we see in the patterns of the Swallows and House martins. A subtle change that accompanies the transition of the light.

Their early morning flight in large groups, their congregating on telegraph lines, their loud chitter chatter – all signalling that they will be departing soon for distant shores.

For me there is a sadness that accompanies this time, captured in the lines of Mary Webb’s poem:

Within my spirit is a voice that grieves,

Reminding me of empty autumn skies.
“Swallows” by Webb, M. (1930) The collected works of Mary Webb. Poems and The Spring of Joy. London: Jonathon Cape, 1928.

In a small attempt to celebrate these wonderful migrant visitors that bring such joy every year, I have put together a short video clip. It is fairly basic, using limited equipment/resources, but for me it catches something of the anticipatory mood inherent in the “jubilant” activities of these beautiful birds.

Video clip: Swallows and Martins on the move

LIVE BORDERS CREATIVE WORKSHOPS – September 2023

ART AS A MINDFUL PROCESS with Ian Wiggle
At Old Gala House – Galashiels

I am running three themed, process inspired workshops during September in the Scottish Borders. They can be booked independently or in any combination.

These workshops are about slowing down, taking time, becoming aware – a kind of “listening” with the eyes. No previous artistic experience is needed as I will gently guide participants, creating familiarity and confidence with the art materials and process.

CONVERSATIONS WITH COLOUR

A 2 hour well-being painting workshop.

This workshop is less about “how to paint”, but rather the emphasis is on experiencing and enjoying the artistic-creative process itself.

It is about exploring the qualities and moods of colours, individually and when in “conversation” with each other. You will use an oil-on-paper rag technique as a way of connecting directly with the colours. All art materials provided.

6 Sep / 13.30 – 15.30 – Conversations with Colour – £25

NEW ENCOUNTERS WITH PLANTS

A full day workshop (10.30 to 3.30) set in the gardens and Scott Room at Old Gala House.

It is a creative blend of science and art exploring the mysteries of plants; seeing the plant world not only with the eyes, but also with the heart.

The emphasis is on experiencing nature creatively through a journey of exploration.

We will use guided observation, drawing, charcoal and colour (pastels) as the tools for participants to arrive at their own unique creative expression of the chosen plant.

All art materials provided. Bring your own snack for lunch.

13 Sep / 10.30 – 15.30 – New Encounters with Plants – £50 (full day)

GROWING IN THE LIGHT

A 2 hour well-being drawing workshop.

Again, this workshop is less “how to draw”, but rather the emphasis is on experiencing and enjoying the artistic-creative process itself.

It is about exploring the dynamic qualities of light and dark, their inter-relationship and connection to the plant growing in nature.

You will use charcoal as a way of experiencing the polarities of light and dark and the subtle gradations in between. All art materials provided.

20 Sep / 13.30 – 15.30 – Growing in the Light – £25

BOOKING DETAILS can be found on the Live Borders website using the following link: Live Borders – Art as a Mindful Process Workshops in September @ Old Gala House

Related pages: Art as a Mindful Process and Art for Health

Sounds of September

Honks, barks, and cackles – heralding autumn

Cooler days have arrived and there is a definite autumnal feel in the air. The regular sight and sound of skeins of geese has now started. It is an indication that summer is truly over. These flypasts will become a more frequent occurrence, louder and with greater numbers, as we enter into October. Sometimes the geese fly in their characteristic V formation at a distance, to the north or south of our house, and occasionally (if we are lucky) immediately overhead.

Skein of Geese – watercolour sketch 2021

I have wanted to record the very particular “calling” sound of these birds for some time now, and was fortunate enough to have my sound gear at the ready this year.

I was also interested to visit a local loch where, I was told, the geese often congregate in the evening. So at the weekend we walked to Hule Loch, located on exposed moorland between Greenlaw and Duns. Sitting in the small hide we were able to take in the panoramic view of the loch, its multiplicity of birds and the surrounding hills. The colours and light changed so dramatically during the short time we were there, as the wind blew, the rain came in from the west and cleared again.

Although the sound of the wind was quite dominant inside the hide, I was able to capture several minutes of audio to bring back to Studio Hundy.

I have created a September sound piece encompassing 3 phases: over our house – a large skein flying in from the east and away to the west; from the hide – a small group of birds on the loch taking flight; and finally (also from the hide) – a large skein of geese coming in to land.

Geese soundscape

The latter was a fascinating occurence as the large cluster of birds seemed to ungainly drop down onto the surface of the water in a random manner, like some kind of precipitation out of the sky! As they landed onto the water their “cries” diminished, until eventually the loud cacophony of sound gave way to an occasional “squawk” or honk.

It’s a sharp sound to listen to, and at the same time incredibly beautiful – also so unmistakable!

Geese in flight (pastel) – sketchbook 2012

Mists & mellow fruitfulness

Days grow short now

September is well underway. Harvested golden fields shine out across the landscape. Early morning mists and dew fall on cobwebs like glistening jewels.

Bird song has changed – the robin and the blue-tit seem to sing a different tone; or perhaps I’m just noticing them more? An occasional skein of geese fly over our house, with their evocative calls, echoing in the still cool air. And the fruiting process in our garden abounds.

The abundance of summer is gradually drawing to a close – so wonderfully depicted in Keats’ poem:

To Autumn

Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness,
  Close bosom-friend of the maturing sun;
Conspiring with him how to load and bless
  With fruit the vines that round the thatch-eves run;
To bend with apples the moss’d cottage trees,
  And fill all fruits with ripeness to the core;
   To swell the gourd, and plump the hazel shells
  With sweet kernel; to set budding more,
And still more, later flowers for the bees,
  Until they think warm days will never cease,
For summer has o’er-brimmed their clammy cells.

Verse 1 of 3
John Keats 1819

Rowan - giving in bounteous plenty Oil-on-paper — Rowan in autumn – *Bounteous plenty* Oil-on-paper

Rowans are often stripped of their berries by this time of year, but those that remain “glow” against the gradually turning foliage.

And the late flowering Rudbekia shines out in the darkening evening light.

For me autumn flowers bring a sense of hope and promise of the Spring to come, as the days grow short and the earth prepares to “close down” inwardly for winter.