Sand, rock, sea and sky

Early April on the isle of Mull. The first time I’ve seen Mull so early in the year. The cuckoo is yet to arrive. The trees, clustered in sheltered spots and valleys, are still bare, revealing their secrets, and the landscape lies wide open. Ever present, the sea mutters in the background at Calgary Bay, where the beach is littered with all kinds of seaweeds, scattered across the rocks. A feast of vibrant colours: burnt orange, oxide, rich brown, umber, ochre, pink and olive green.

Another year has passed and the landmarks I visit each time I come to the special island have weathered further, succumbing to the ravages of time. Peeling paintwork and worn surfaces. Another week spent on this very special island, and I feel refreshed and recharged. Blustery Atlantic storms passing through, the air so clear and a very special light reflecting the sky, the sea, the sand.

Saatchi Art: woven artwork available online

This month I’ve been working away behind the scenes, photographing many of my woven artworks and writing about them, their inspiration and intentions, in anticipation of making them available to buy online at Saatchi Art/Veronica Pock. The store is now live so if you’d like to see more, please do take a look. Smaller works are also available to buy at Liminal Weave.

New scarves

As well as much time spent behind the computer this month, the loom has not been empty. I’ve woven a batch of lambswool and British wool scarves in preparation for next autumn/winter, although the weather in April has been so chilly that I’m still wearing my winter woollens, so maybe it’s not too late to make a few sales this spring…

An Tobar, Tobermory, Isle of Mull: ‘Drawing in’

I was lucky to catch the ‘Drawing in’ exhibition at An Tobar arts cafe in Tobermory on the Isle of Mull while I was visiting the island in April. A selection of artists’ work was on show and it was inspirational to see the different styles and interpretations of ‘drawing’. It gave me plenty of ideas for my drawing project that I’m making as part of the 100 day project: 100 drawings, one drawing a day.

Studio view

I’ve finally set up a dedicated space in my studio for photography. In a corner by the window, the sunlight comes in in the morning, and by late morning has moved round so I get atmospheric reflected light. The colours and patterns in this handwoven throw, inspired by the lichen and moss-covered tree trunks, are given new vibrancy.

Studio view

More work on the loom; this time a colourful warp of pinks, mauves and browns. This warp uses 11 different merino lambswool colours set up in a random array, and I’m weaving them into a mixture of different patterns: twill, English tabby and barleycorn.

Thank you…

…so much for your support and for joining me on my creative journey through the seasons. Your support and interest really does make a difference. If you’d like to see more of my work and inspirations, I post regularly on Instagram @veronicapock and my work is available online at LiminalWEAVE on Etsy and Saatchi Art.

Looking forward to seeing you again in late May,

with warmest wishes, Veronica

Isle of Mull from Dunollie Castle, Oban, Scottish mainland