Laura Drever

The question ‘what’s next?’ is often asked. As a freelance artist my answer is always “to keep painting”

After an overwhelming past year, this coming year will be spent refocusing, walking, making new work and involving myself in activity that compliments my practice.

To start is a trip to Glasgow to celebrate the launch of Hert at Celtic Connections. A few years back Catriona Price, a fabulous Orcadian musician and composer, invited me to make an artwork for her debut solo album Hert. I’ve long admired Catriona for her talent, energy and community spirit so when approached to make a visual response to the poetry and music, I was delighted.

An album about Orkney that makes you stop and listen, brings a smile and a tear. The album includes text and poetry by Kevin Cormack, George Mackay Brown, Harry Josephine Giles, Luke Sutherland, Margaret Tait, Yvonne Gray, Laura Watts and Pam Beasant. The official launch is on Friday so if you are in Glasgow, or near by, be sure to get a ticket. The album and tickets to the gig can be purchased on Catriona’s website – www.catrionapricemusic.com.

In February the Pier Arts Centre will be host to an exhibition celebrating 40 years of Soulisquoy Printmakers.

The exhibition will include displays of archival material relating to the founding of Soulisquoy, a focus on founder members and former artists in residence alongside work by members and supporters. Included will be a series of limited-edition prints that have been specially commissioned and printed by Soulisquoy from artists Megumi Barrington, Magda Choluj, Colin Kirkpatrick Brandon Logan and myself, all of which will be launched at the exhibition.

Burra is the title of my Edition of 30 prints – here is a sneak peek at the process…

In-between times, and for a large part of this year focus will be on Commissions. New walks will be taken with trips to Westray and Hoy planned to explore the landscape further. I will continue to be involved in the community and promote the arts and Orkney as best I can.

And of course always keep painting.