‘Cianalas‘

‘Cianalas’ (Scottish Gaelic) - Noun

A deep seated sense of belonging to where your roots lie, Normally attributed to the Outer Hebrides. There is no sadness or melancholy in Cianalas, only the realisation of what is truly important.

My heart is still on Skye. An Island off the north-western coast which attracts hundreds of thousands from across the world every year. Growing up among the landscapes numbs you to their powers but as moving to uni proved. These views that once bored are now rejuvenating. There’s energy in the rocks that recharge your soul with every step. Artistically, Landscapes have always challenged me. Finding aesthetically pleasing ways to represent the vast subtleties of depth, texture, colours and tones without removing the essence of life has made me avoid the subject until now.

“A View From the WindFarm Track”

11” x 11” Pen and Ink on paper

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This illustration (right) is my initial sketch of a view near my home where I toyed with making marks, building layers of pattern and texture which I felt mirrored the landscape’s bracken, heather and grasses. From this, I chose to explore mark making and this building of textural layers.