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Introduction

I am a contemporary artist based in Edinburgh, Scotland. My artistic practise is continually evolving and I feel very fortunate to have this creative journey which has only been possible with amazing support from my clients and suppliers.

 

My last exhibition was part of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2023 (Aspects of Edinburgh - The Dene). You can read a five star review of the exhibition here -  (***** Exhibition Review)  It was wonderful to meet so many interesting people. Many thanks to everyone that came into the Gallery. 

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Edinburgh and my beautiful and enduring country of Scotland are a continual source of inspiration. I am just back from my first ever trip to Orkney and it was inspiring! I can feel a project ruminating, a very stimulating and energising place.

 

My Heritage projects such as “The Herring Lassies” or “Harris Tweed” allow me to recreate lost traditions and histories. My Edinburgh series create stories for the viewer with backgrounds and elements of my historic home city.

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I've categorised my work on the website into three basic categories; Figurative, Conceptual and Abstract which I feel best reflects their base elements.

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Abstract General Notes

My abstract art creation is influenced from both without and within. I am fascinated by the inexhaustible power of nature to produce an endless number of shapes and patterns in our ever-changing physical realm presenting an unlimited supply of material for each individuals unique interpretation.

 

From “Within”; the spiritual realm of the collective unconscious, the Tao and the Zen state provide an internal universe so rich in material it reflects the diversity of Nature itself.

 

Much has been written about “mu-shin” the state of “no-mind” in which thought, emotions and expectations do not matter, a zen state where true creation arises. A bridge between the conscious and subconscious. My objective is to bypass the filter of the conscious mind and create externalised paintings and drawings based on the rich source material of the unconscious.

 

Abstract Technique

My current approach is to work with both hands simultaneously. Whether it be with willow charcoal sticks, brushes or palette knives. This is how the paintings and drawings are executed.

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It feels like a duet of the hands, comparable to a pianist or drummer, both hands working independently without conscious effort yet together creating something in balance while both left and right brain structures are engaged.

 

Rhythm and energy are important facets of the drawing phase. This is where the hard lines are, the tectonic plates of the abstract narrative. The basis for all work that will follow.

 

The Viewer

The objective of the abstract work is to present a framework for the viewer to project their own internal vision. The viewer is the master of the narrative using their infinite universe within, sometimes consciously and others subconsciously.

 

Each canvas contains a potential adventure for the imagination, where at the macro level one inch of a painting containing random marks provides the building blocks of a unique personal story.

 

Taken as a whole, each painting can provide multiple interpretations which change with the viewers mood, insight or circumstance so that viewing a piece changes or continuously evolves.

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Davy Macdonald