Blogs from Shetland, Scotland, United Kingdom, Europe

Saturday, September 23, 2023, Lerwick The first workshop has been completed. It was a weaving project that once profeciency was attained could possibly produce a “snood” which in ontario english is a cowl. To get to the Sport Complex we asked the bus driver about Broch of Clickimin thinking that the two were one and the same thing. Of course the Broch is a bronze age structure and the sports centre bears its name. Let the walking begin. Luckily we had enough time for myself to hobble behind Sherry and get there in time for two o'clock. And what an impressive sports centre it turned out to be...what a pool. Children of all ages were enjoying the water slide, large swim instructing pool and the spacious snack bar sesrving soup,crisps, salads and drinks. Sherry and I ... read more

At 7:45am, the sound of a low, heavy vehicle could be heard, seemingly waiting outside the croft. For the last three days, apart from Robert returning home to his house, that I can neither see nor hear, there has not been a vehicle here. We are at the end of an unmarked, narrow, perfectly tarmaced lane. No one comes here. This morning is heavy with the residue of icy hail which I heard on the roof window at 4am. The ice-cold weather has permitted me the luxury to read in bed this morning. I have no dog to walk, no animals to feed, no gym to cycle to for a swim and now no job to attend. For now, I’ll appreciate and enjoy this small luxury of reading a borrowed book from this lovely home. It’s ... read more

Shetland. Walls. Tuesday morning started off much colder at 10 degrees and very overcast with a little drizzle in the air and a 20 mph westerly wind. Luckily we were heading south off the island and down through Yell to the mainland. The first ferry was just about to set off as we arrived and we rode straight on for the 10 minute journey. Once on Yell we got onto the main road and fell into a peloton with me at the back (mostly) being protected by the younger and fitter riders. The ferry at Alsta came in 10 minutes after we arrived and then sat in the harbour for 45 minutes. Luckily we could get into the passenger lounge to get warm with a coffee bought at the shop which was open today (Closed Sundays). ... read more

18 May, Saxa Vord, Unst, Shetland. Day one. At 4:20am, I’m woken by an American guy banging cupboard doors in the communal kitchen which is opposite to my room, at the hostel. No chance of returning to sleep. A great ball of bright sun sitting on the window sill which is faces East, illuminates the room as if it’s mid-day. The Simmer Dim is almost fully upon Shetland. The time of year when there is hardly any darkness – only daylight and half-light. My mind goes over previous conversations / words / unspoken words – Will this R&D trip work? Work for me? The funders? As a project development? For my Creative practice development? I’m putting pressure on myself to deliver when R&D should be calm. What does it mean to make this trip work? Is ... read more

Conjuncture Flawed Work / Imperfect Beauty Series. This body of Flawed Work / Imperfect Beauty is a collaboration between the relationship of Process and the interface of place, travel, memory, history, tradition, language, people and returning. Fundamentally, I am interested in the creative process of knitting to explore and articulate memories and tracing journeys. Knitting and returning, create the platform for the final work in a site-specific image, film and soundbite. Journey I initially found Shetland when traveling to Lerwick to learn traditional Fair Isle knitting techniques. But, the islands’ rich landscape and raw beauty completely drew me in. I began to wander away from the stationary act of knitting to take hikes across the small islands. Now, the two acts are intrinsically brought... read more