Celebrating Nature Through Art in the Highlands
Nature has long been a muse for artists, and currently the Highlands are hosting several exhibitions that beautifully showcase this inspiration. If you are looking for a way to connect with the creative expressions of nature this Green Health Week and beyond, these exhibitions offer a wonderful opportunity to be inspired!
From Kiln to Coast by Amy Louise Buttress
Housed at the Foyer Craft Gallery from 9 April to 25 May 2024, Amy Louise Buttress, a talented artist from Carrbridge Studios, presents her exhibition 'From Kiln to Coast'. Amy’s work is profoundly influenced by the landscapes where she grew up. Her exhibition features hand-built wildlife sculptures and abstract forms that evoke the natural beauty of the Highlands. Amy finds joy in the tactile nature of ceramics and explores the endless possibilities of clay. Her works not only capture the essence of the Scottish wilds but also invite viewers to physically engage with the art through touch.
“Having creativity in my life is massively important to me. Creating art makes me happy and everything I see, and experience inspires me and influences my work. I enjoy making work that is beautiful and tactile, ceramics are meant to be touched. Clay is a wonderful medium to work with as there are literally endless possibilities for what you might create as well as many different techniques to fire and finish work.” – Amy Louise Buttress
Open Light by Eric Cruikshank and James Lumsden
'Open Light', on display at the Inverness Main Art Gallery from 6 April to 27 May 2024, features the works of Eric Cruikshank and James Lumsden, two painters born in Inverness. This exhibition explores the themes of light, space, and depth, transcending traditional landscape painting to evoke a sense of place through minimal and abstract expressions. Eric’s paintings use a nuanced palette reflecting the Scottish landscape, focusing on the emotional impact of colours blended without visible boundaries. James’s works delve into the essence of light itself, building layers of translucent colours to create a luminous effect that suggests an internal source of light. The artists will be available on 25th May from 2-3pm to have an informal conversation about their work, which is a fantastic opportunity to learn about their painting processes. This is a drop in so no need to book.
Art Classes with Jana Emburey: Drawing from Nature
For those inspired by these exhibitions and wishing to explore their own creativity, Jana Emburey offers art classes every Saturday until 29 June, from 11 am to 3 pm. These classes provide an opportunity to work with various materials like graphite pencils, charcoal, and ink pens, focusing on landscapes, plant life, and perspectives. Whether you aim to create an artist’s book or just enjoy the process of making art, these classes cater to all skill levels and are a perfect weekend activity for anyone looking to express their artistic side only £25 per class At the Inverness Museum and Gallery - email to book
These exhibitions and classes aim to connect us more deeply with our natural environment, inviting us to take a reflective look at how nature continues to inspire and shape artistic endeavours. Whether you're drawn to the tactile beauty of clay sculptures or the serene depths of painted landscapes, there's a piece of the Highlands waiting to be discovered and appreciated through these artistic expressions.