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Introduction

I'm a contemporary artist based in Edinburgh, Scotland. I feel very fortunate to have been able to develop my artistic practice over the last 15 years. This has only been possible with amazing support from my clients and suppliers.
 
My last exhibition, “Aspects of Edinburgh - The Dene” was part of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2023. You can read a five star review of it here Exhibition Review.  It was wonderful to engage with so many interesting people. Thanks to everyone that came into the Gallery. 

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My next exhibition is called “15 – Equinox” and will be held at the Dundas Street Gallery in Edinburgh from Friday 26th July to Sunday 4th August 2024.

 

I had a wonderful trip to Orkney during the autumnal equinox of 2023 and was at the Ring of Brodgar for sunrise. It felt like a good balance point for reflection and for looking forward in my artistic journey and I hope to show this in my forthcoming exhibition.

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I've categorised my work on the website into three basic categories; Figurative, Conceptual and Abstract. My figurative projects such as “The Herring Lassies” or “Harris Tweed” allow me to recreate lost Scottish historical traditions and my “Aspects of Edinburgh” series lets me weave stories with backgrounds and elements of my beautiful home city which is a continual source of inspiration.

 

Current Abstract Project

While throwing some things into the massive landfill skip at my local recycling centre I spotted a large stack of vinyl records at the bottom. Precariously, I delved in deep and grabbed as many albums as I could. These turned out to be mostly classical albums, lots of Wagner and the Bayreuth festival. Also Bach, William Byrd, Thomas Tallis and more obscure early German and English music. Someone’s collection had been discarded for whatever reason.

 

I decided to use the albums as a soundtrack while creating a new series of abstract expressionist paintings which will be part of my forthcoming exhibition. Interwoven with this is the exploration of a concept of “Compartmentalisation”.

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Abstract Technique

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

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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 infinite supply of material for each individuals unique interpretation.

 

From “Within”; the spiritual realm of the collective unconscious, the Tao and the 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 from the unconscious.

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The Viewer

The objective of the abstract work is to present a framework for the viewer to make their own interpretation, their projection. The viewer is the master of the narrative sometimes consciously and others subconsciously.

 

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

 

Each painting can provide multiple interpretations which change with the viewers mood, insight or circumstance. Changes in the external light on the surface of the canvas can also effect the viewer's perception of the painting, especially when the paint is textured, thus continuously evolving.

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Davy Macdonald