Laura Drever

My husband and his colleague/friend message at the beginning of every month “rabbits”

It is believed that if uttered on the day of a fresh month that good luck will prevail for the month ahead. A phrase that dates back to 1865, maybe from farmers or perhaps originated from Lewis Carpet and the story Alice and Wonderland. Either way, these traditions between friends are kinda great!

Although not the first of the month today, doing these posts is something that I try to make a monthly habit. Not only to let you know what is going on but to share a few bits and bobs from Orkney. A way to inform of you what is coming next.

There is less than a week to go to see Frontiers: Painting in Scotland Now at The Royal Scottish Academy. It’s been a very quick month. The experience of being involved in a group exhibition has been very positive. Meeting new folk, learning from others, being part of something bigger than my practice in the studio. Curators Flora and Robbie have been a pleasure to work with. Tussocks and Tufts have been admired by a new audience. It is humbling to have had contact from so many that have visited, those that have allowed themselves time to watch the movement, emerge themselves in Orkneys landscape. Maybe it will inspire a visit to the islands, so that the real light can be experienced first hand.

This weekend I was a (wo)man with a van and travelled South to deliver artwork for my next Solo show at Browns Gallery – opening in October 2024 where a new collection of work will be showcased. I’ll not say too much at the moment apart from if you’d like to come along for the opening, please get in touch with myself or subscribe to Browns Gallery via their website (link above).

Heading past Hoy on the early morning boat made the trip even more worth while!

Looking further ahead to March 2026. Christina Jansen from The Scottish Gallery visited the studio last week for a chat about my solo. A great catch up where we got to know each other a little better. We talked about inspirations, walks, finding love in nature in-between all the practical stuff that makes an exhibition happen. In person meetings are always the best.

A new collection has already started and I am very excited to see where it takes me. A few walks have been taken and ideas have arrived. More paint and canvases are going to have to be purchased and for that I count myself very fortunate.

This last weekend saw the opening of Victoria Crowe’s exhibition ‘Touching the Surface – The Orkney Paintings’ at the Pier Arts Centre. At the opening on Friday evening we had driven through to Stromness, a beautiful drive. The sun was starting to set and casting a luminous light onto the Loch making the contours of the land blend into each other, giving hints of lines and shape and form – maybe exactly what Victoria had witnessed during her time here, just what we were going to see in her artwork. While speaking with Vicky, it struck me how wonderful it is that a life can be spent being creative – sharing ideas, documenting, being an artist.

It reaffirmed that I am in the right place and how lucky I am to be here.

Rabbits to all of you. May the month ahead be all you want it to be.