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Highland artist Rachael Forbes inspired by The Witch of Auldearn for new Nairn Book & Arts Festival programme cover


By Donald Wilson

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Rachael Forbes.
Rachael Forbes.

A LOCAL artist is creating the cover programme for Nairn Book and Arts Festival using The Witch of Auldearn, Isobel Gowdie, as her subject.

Rachael Forbes is a painter and textile artist who specialises in superstitions, folktales and symbolism rooted in Scottish history and particularly enjoys how folktales give a sense of the way people used to experience their world.

She reflects this through layering imagery and exploring intertwined narratives in paint, fabric and stitch. These stories and beliefs reflect a deep respect and reverence for nature.

Rachael said: “It is a privilege to be able to represent the story of Isobel Gowdie for this years’ Nairn Book and Art Festival programme cover. Isobel was thought to be a member of the farming community in the countryside surrounding Auldearn.

She was accused of witchcraft and subjected to intense questioning by men of power, status and wealth.

“As a result she gave the longest and most detailed confession of witchcraft ever- recorded providing a rare insight into beliefs around magic, witchcraft and faery lore.

“The cover artwork will draw upon the vivid and fantastical imagery evoked by her confession. Nairn itself will also present inspiration for the work, drawing from the iconic silhouette of the Bandstand and beautiful coastline.”


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