Laura Drever

Summer holidays – even though the kids are old enough to look after themselves – are always a bit of a juggle. To prepare for term time I’ve gone on a few walks to reset and get prepared for being back in the studio regularly.

While walking, finding love heart stones (and Groatie Buckies) is a favourite thing to do. I usually take the hearts home but these last few walks, I’ve left them for others to find – it just felt right to share. Perhaps something we are all feeling at the moment – looking for ways to help others feel a little better. With all the sadness in the world it feels important to make small things relevant. Not sure how much good this will do, however if it offers a moment of calm or peace for someone, then that can’t be a bad thing.

Ten years ago, the Pier Arts Centre delivered the Collecting Stories project. The Pier Group were invited to discuss their found objects, collected stories, memories from childhood, the Collection at the Pier. One of the conclusions of the time spent was a publication with an essay by artist and researcher Rhona Warwick Paterson.

I haven’t looked at the publication for some time – until today when thinking about my collection of heart stones. 10 years ago I wrote:

“When I choose to pick up something and take it home, find it a month later and then look at it again, I re-experience that time, that memory and the colours that I saw that day – it can transport me back to that moment…it’s not just about collecting materials or tangible stuff or visual references, it’s about accumulating all kinds of subtle and imperceptible knowledge and experience.”

Looking back at the various collections and objects, they feel important: thinking about who I was with at the time, where they were found, conversations had, why I left the ones I did, the ones taken home.

As I settle back into the studio, completing the next collection of artwork for my forthcoming Solo Exhibition at the Scottish Gallery in March 2026 is a priority. Deadlines are looming. I’m feeling content with the work made so far. Time, patience, lots of gold paint, various walks that have reset my focus. The new body of work will be a lead on from my last two collections of work – Teebro and Limro – paintings that evoke a sense of Orkney through colour, texture and light.

As well as the walls, I’ve a viewing cabinet to fill too – maybe some objects from my collections will make an appearance?

If you would like to hear more or be added to my mailing list for this exhibition, please get in touch.

For now, why not go a walk for yourself and take a minute to look closer. Find a colour in nature that you love, a favourite shell or sit down on the ground looking up to the clouds and use your imagination like you did when a child.

Happy walking, looking and collecting – I hope you find a love heart stone too.