Update on Posts in Scotland

Between us Fiona and I have assembled-made 5 post assemblage-sculptures around the cottage and for friends in the Highlands. 

One post was made to replace an early post find (at the end of this blog) - which prompted me to share photos of all five posts starting with the Swordly Mill Post above and below - made during our March trip this year - nestling into the landscape.

Then there was Post 37 completed and installed recently.

The Cove Post, made entirely from bits from our local fishing cove, was made to reflect the fishing history of the village and the clearances.

Then there is Fiona's post that sits looking out from the lounge window.

And the post that was remade this week to replace a post we found amongst the rubbish when we took over ownership-care of the cottage.

I think Fiona has a couple of more assemblages in mind - but we will see.

Light, reflections and friendly locals

 

I love the way the light was breaking up as it shone through the gap in the top of the stile into a very old cemetery in Reay. Below is detail from an ancient Pictish slab in the cemetery.

Talking about light - the light was subdued this morning as we headed to the cove; but it was a highlighting a ship on the horizon, the edges of clouds and an aircraft skimming across the sky.

Many of the local animals are used to people - it is a joy to stop and chat to them and experience their inquisitive looks - or in the case of the ram a mild challenge.

I love the quite beauty of the village; and this historic bus stop that is now used by the sheep when they are allowed to wander the village.

A day of creating - silver jewellery

 

Yesterday Fiona and I spent the best part of a day in the studio of Lindsey Gallacher doing an introduction to silver jewellery making course.

What a relaxing and enjoyable day. There was only one other student so it was a very personal and attentive experience.

As you can see from the opening photo I decided to make myself a ring that reflected the view of the fence line out the cottage bedroom back window.

Some of the process photos follow. The image of the fence line was pressed into-onto the silver using a glossy hard card template and metal roller.

Fiona decided on making a pendant - and what a great outcome.

I had a bit of pressed metal left over so Fiona ands I decided to turn it into a pair of earrings - Lindsey attached the posts.

A gorgeous memory of our time here art the cottage. Photo of the ring on my finger below.

Finished

 

As you can see from the photo above and others in this blog post - Post 37 is now ready for installation which includes attaching the post in this blog to the fence strainer post that is set in a rock.

Fiona and I managed to dash out in a break in the weather; haul the post out of the shed-studio and take a few photos in intermittent sunlight; and then haul it back under cover. I want to keep the post dry as it is to be transported in a van to a farm cottage about an hour from our cottage.

Whilst it is difficult to get the full sense of the post when photographing it leaning again the cottage wall I think the photos do indicate the total post is looking cohesive.

Of course the person who commissioned this family history post will be the final judge.

Historic site and other fragments

 

Fiona, her dad and I did a flying trip Papa Westray in the Orkneys to visit a 5000 year old Neolithic house/s. As you will see from the photo above and following, the setting was brilliant and the stone work astounding. It was a cold and extremely windy day.

It blew my mind a little to be able to see a shellfish midden where the inhabitants of the house/s caste shells after a meal of shellfish 5000 years ago.

Photo of the site from our tiny aircraft as we headed back to Kirkwall airport.

A few more photos from Papa follow.

A couple from the harbour in Stromness where we caught the ferry towards home.

So fortunate to be able to do this brief side trip from the cottage.