Information overload and nautical monsters – just two of the themes that fascinate Georgina Bown, who is one of more than 80 exhibitors at Borders Art Fair.
As ever the highly popular event in Kelso is attracting artists from across the UK, including East Lothian painter Kirsten Boston, landscape artist Sandra Vick from Penicuik, Midlothian and Bown, also from East Lothian, who is a visual artist and metal sculptor.
Among Bown’s most familiar works is her TMI (too much information) sculpture, in Archerfield walled garden, created as a response to our growing obsession with useless data.
She said: “We are becoming overwhelmed by information. People have become obsessed with their phones, checking them on average every eight minutes, and its stuff we don’t need at all.”
An artist, trained mechanic, welder and fabricator (who loves classic cars and owns a 1951 Morris), she is often inspired by the sea and what lies beneath the waves – something that has earned her commissions from the Royal Navy.
Many of the sculptures, prints and drawings she will be showing at her fifth McInroy & Wood Borders Art Fair are inspired by her oceanic interests.
She said: “I live near the sea, and it gets into your blood. It’s such a powerful element. I became interested in ships and oil rigs and then my mind increasingly turned to what’s underwater – we know so little about it. It’s dark, mysterious, unknown and sometimes menacing.
“I got fascinated by what lurks there – the nautical monsters, whether they are natural or manmade. The things that are out there and unseen, from whales to submarines.”
Mixed media artist Boston, at BAF for the third time, says her work is mainly inspired by landscapes, and often the Scottish coast with its big skies and shifting light.
She said: “For the Borders Art Fair, I’ll be showing a new body of work that builds on my interest in landscape and the horizon. The paintings are rooted in the Scottish coast, but they’re not all literal depictions of specific places. Instead, they explore atmosphere, memory, and that quiet pull you get from being in wide, open spaces.”
Moving inland, Vick finds inspiration in the Pentlands and the hills of the Borders and her work is held in public and private collections worldwide.
She is bringing her latest paintings to BAF, including a large triptych inspired by the hills around Innerleithen, plus small artist’s books exploring the language, shape, and history of the hills.
Vick said: “I’ve spent years running and walking in the hills. My paintings capture the feeling of being in the hills – capturing the shape, and the way we have impacted on it – including the footpaths that draw a line through the landscape.
“I spend a lot of time outside in all weathers, drawing whilst in the hills and then bring it back to my studio where I work it into paintings.
“When my father died of pancreatic cancer back in 1997 he left a speech to be read at his funeral – addressed to me and my siblings, he said ‘don’t waste your life in a job you don’t like, life is short and you never know when it will end. Do what you love’. This prompted me to make the decision to leave my job as a health economist and go to art college – something my Dad did not allow when I was at school!”
All three say they love BAF because of the quality of the exhibitors, the interest and enthusiasm of visitors, the friendly, welcoming atmosphere and the high standard of organisation.
The work on show will include landscapes, wildlife and figurative painting, sculptures, ceramics, digital art and printmaking. It is family-friendly and features workshops and demonstrations.
Frances Fergusson, Director of the Borders Art Fair, said: “BAF is always a mixture of new and familiar faces – one of the things we are proudest of is that so many artists and visitors see it as a must-do feature of their calendar.”
The fair, which attracts over 4,000 visitors, takes place at The Borders Event Centre from 13-15 March. It starts at 10am daily, ending at 5pm on Saturday and 4pm on Friday and Sunday – visitors are asked to pay what they can afford to support next year’s event.
After browsing stalls and chatting to the artists visitors can relax and refuel at the indoor food village, where there will be food vans packed with all sorts of tempting treats.
There’s also a great selection of restaurants, cafes, pubs and bars within walking distance. Kelso also offers hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs and country cottages to rent.
Visitors can enjoy much more than just BAF as the Borders has picturesque beaches, seaside villages and dramatic headlands, stately homes, mountain bike trails and the rolling hills – promising something for everyone.
- See www.bordersartfair.com and follow BAF on social media for the latest updates.
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Notes for Editors
Further information
- For more about BAF visit www.bordersartfair.com.
- To contact BAF call 07803 012620 or email info@bordersartfair.com.
For more about the artists
- Georgina Bown www.georgina-artist.co.uk
- Kirsten Boston https://kirstenboston.com
- Sandra Vick www.sandravick.co.uk
For media info contact Matthew Shelley – 07786 704299 Matthew@ScottishFestivalsPR.Org