material nomad -the isle of skye
it would seem that i am attracted to landscapes that are rugged in nature. none is more so than the isle of skye - part of the inner hebrides. sitting on the northwest coast of scotland and connected to the mainland by a bridge on the kyle of lochalsh.
we have been visiting skye for many years - with a 12-hour drive from our house to the island, we are always glad and excited to begin our adventures when we drive over the bridge.
the island bursts with nature and wildlife but it is also the ever-changing weather and light that continually surprises us. hours can be lost watching weather fronts cross the landscape, and all four seasons are experienced in a moment.
isle of skye - the black beach
during the paleogene period, about 56 million years ago, the isle of skye formed one of the main volcanic centres of the north atlantic igneous province. lava flows from these volcanoes cover most of northern skye creating a stepped landscape. the dominant lava type here is basalt.
black sand, as seen on orbost beach is more often than not, volcanic in origin and composed of volcanic minerals and fragments like basalt. one benefit of this, is that the dark sand is heavier and absorbs the sun’s warmth quickly. it also retains the heat for longer than the lighter sand beaches elsewhere on Skye. (thedunvegen.com)
i have just begun to test some of the materials gathered from the beach on the banks of loch pooltiel, in order to try and understand how it will react in the porcelain and its high firing temperatures. working with clay is not for the faint hearted - it is an emotional roller coaster ride - reaching the extremes, from absolute joy and surprise it can change to complete despair - an aspect of the craft that i enjoy.
the materials have a much lower melting point than the porcelain. i have lost a few kiln shelves as pieces have melted and became stuck to the shelf. to avoid this, i plan to make forms from two pieces - so only the base is porcelain and i will then add the materials into the walls - or as a way to attach pieces together. the testing and making continues…..
isle of skye - the tinhouse
the tin house is our go to place on the isle of skye, a cottage perched on the cliffs in milovaig with panoramic views over loch pooltiel. the islands of uist and harris can be seen on the horizon, as you look over the seascape of the north west of skye. this is a place of solitude and seclusion, giving moments of calm amongst the everchanging landscape.
waterfalls flowing upwards onto the rolling peninsula - the roar of the wind surrounding you. then the calmness of a rainbow as the brightness of the sun reflects on the dark waters of the loch - it is a complete sensual experience. the sky feels so large as it embraces the island in a love hate relationship. spending time on the island fills me with such joy and is a very emotive place for me, it is like spending time at the end of the world.
we have celebrated milestone birthdays here, in the winter months, hunkered down with log fires blazing, while storms rage outside. it is from these fires that i have gathered the ashes - treasures from our trips, capturing moments. i will now begin to process the ashes. i will use them as raw materials in the clay and i also plan to add them into an ash glaze, continuing the journey of material, place and memories experienced.
