Click on pictures to see them enlarged in a photo stream. Comments: word verification on to allow anyone to comment but try and deter excessive amounts of spam! I LOVE getting comments!

Thursday 1 December 2016

And then there are the Christmas preparations....



I don't celebrate Christmas, but I do love a Mid-Winter Festival!  Time to eat, stay snug and look forward to the days getting longer.

So the shops in Orkney are getting dressed for the season.  Above is Shearer's in Kirkwall.  One of my most favourite shops.  Upstairs where in Spring and Summer seed crops are stored and sold, is now a cosy space to do some seasonal shopping.  The fire is lit, lots of goodies to buy and around are reminders of days long past, with oil lamps hanging from the rafters, and old tins reminding us of simpler days - Oxo - about the only way you could make gravy then!


And then there are the Christmas exhibitions.  The Pier Arts Centre in Stromness is one of my favourites, lots of artists, both professional and "amateur" submit work for the exhibition.  Lots of lovely things in different media. Some conventional others more avant garde.


And I loved this display made by a recently graduated art student.  I can't remember her name! I know it's Rachel though! [Note - apparently it's Rachel Blair] I was telling her I loved this and she was explaining so enthusiastically her ideas behind it and the techniques used.  I'm not artist but I loved hearing her story, and hope her enthusiasm is encouraged for the future.




6 comments:

  1. I love the traditional shops at this time of year with their beautiful seasonal décor. Looks like a great art exhibition.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm not a fan of Christmas, but at least in Orkney we are protected from the worse excesses of commercialism etc! And I love the way the individual shops decorate their windows etc.

      Delete
  2. I think the artist is Rachel Blair. Lovely Blog.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's it! Rachel Blair. I'll amend my post. I was really inspired by her. Such enthusiasm. Just wish I had the money (and somewhere to put it!).

      Delete
  3. It all looks so festive. Love the art stuff too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love Orkney at this time of year with various exhibitions and festivities. Even though I don't like Christmas itself!

      Delete