Edinburgh gallery’s first artist exhibition since lockdown

During the lockdowns of 2020, unable to reach the West Coast (her usual subject) artist Catriona Taylor rediscovered the rugged beauty of the Pentland Hills on her doorstep. Her work is now the subject of a major exhibition at one of Edinburgh’s best-loved independent galleries.

Mist over the Pentlands

Stickfactory, on Mayfield Road in the south side of the city, is opening its first dedicated single artist exhibition since 2020 on October 29, featuring the work of Catriona.

She captured the distinctive contours of the Pentlands – including Carnethy, Scald Law, and the Kips - in all weathers and seasons, in pastel, watercolour and acrylic.

During lockdown the hills offered thousands of Edinburgh residents fresh air, tranquillity and recreation during the pandemic.

Pentlands focus for first dedicated artist exhibition at Edinburgh Gallery since 2020

Catriona, who studied at Edinburgh College of Art and has had her work exhibited across the UK, said: “I felt that I was able to get back to the basics of what is important to me in my work. Walking and looking at landscape, drawing outside, capturing clouds and weather as it moved and changed. I embarked on a drawing project that involved walking every day in my local area, the Pentlands and then making a drawing of somewhere I had been.

“It made me feel I had returned to the simple but important things in art, observing, drawing - using different media, such as pencil, watercolour, pen, and pastel, responding in the moment.”

Stickfactory was established in 2011 and is run by artist and designer Mike Usher. During lockdowns he and the team took the opportunity to undertake some long planned renovations and improvements to the gallery leading to bigger and brighter spaces.

As well as the exhibition, it is packed with new and interesting artworks, locally sourced hand made crafts, ceramics, gifts, jewellery, & furniture.

Her work is now the subject of a major exhibition at one of Edinburgh’s best-loved independent galleries.

On-site picture framing facilities include:

- Bespoke one off frames,

- A wide range of off the peg frame mouldings

- Hand made custom mouldings,

“I felt that I was able to get back to the basics of what is important to me in my work,” Catriona Taylor

- Custom finishes,

- Hand canvas stretching,

- Large format framing,

- Discounts for larger/multiple orders .

Stickfactory owner Mike also produces one off commissioned pieces of sculpture, furniture and other items from Stickfactory’s own studios

Pentland Days: an exhibition of drawings and paintings of the Pentland Hills area.

Stickfactory Gallery, Mayfield Road, Edinburgh.

Saturday October 29, 2022 –January 28, 2023.

12 -5.30pm Monday -Saturdays http://www.stickfactory.co.uk/