Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to find me here (and on Socials) after my brief appearance on the Orkney episode of Landscape Artist of the Year. A peedie challenge for folk to find Laura Drever when my name was pronounced “Laura Driver” on National Television. Drever is a very common name here so hope those with an interest in Orkney and my practice will realise and the journey to find me, hasn’t been too difficult. Surnames are so important as they can provide insights into a persons ancestry, cultural background and geographic origin – it is important to be proud of them.
It was great to be invited and have the opportunity to share my love of Orkney and its Landscape, give an insight into what inspires my practice while Monica, the winner, was visiting. As an Orcadian, I am proud of our islands and to have the platform to showcase that through Creativity is always an honour.
As well as a welcome to those who are new here, I thought it would be good to answer a few questions that have been asked over the last few weeks:
Do you do prints of your paintings? No. A decision made early in my career and one that will be honoured for the duration. (that’s not to say I don’t think they are ok, just personal preference)
Do you have any work for sale? The work I have available at the moment is very limited due to commitments for upcoming exhibitions. If you would like to be the first to hear about exhibitions, then please join my mailing list. I have a few art works available through Browns Gallery.
Do you deliver workshops? At the moment my focus is producing work for exhibitions. If and when a workshop is planned, it will be advertised here so please join my mailing list to be the first to hear.
What is your favourite walk in Orkney? There are so many. Walking the coast on a day when the wind is blowing (but not too much) so the sea spray makes everything salty. Or perhaps going up a hill to see the panoramic views and patchwork of coloured fields – revisiting these throughout the year to watch the changes that happen. The St Magnus Way is a great way to get a taster of a bit of everything.
The next few months will be spent in the studio, concentrating on a collection of work for a solo exhibition, as well as creating an artwork for a group show. This will be my first solo since Teebro at the Pier Arts Centre. In between times I will continue to be involved in volunteering, supporting and nurturing creative activity in the community.
A taster of some of the work produced so far. Lots to do, so best get back to it instead of sitting here at the computer. Signing off as Laura Drever.
Laura Drever 