Ullapool student artists get ready to show their work
What do four high school Ullapool graduates have in common with a science teacher, a retired hotelier, an architectural technologist, a software developer, a retired occupational therapist and a Glasgow graduate?
They are all students of the Portfolio Art Course at Bridge House Art in Ullapool.
The diversity of their education and career paths is reflected in the end of course exhibition which opens this weekend.
In just 16 weeks organisers say participants have grown in their chosen medium with the guidance of tutors Eleanor White and Kittie Jones.
One stdent, Fiona, from Dingwall, was inspired to join BHA by her daughter who undertook the Portfolio Course in 2019/2020.
She said: "I think Ullapool is such an inspiring location and, because of this, I decided to concentrate on local scenes for my final project, endeavouring to capture the natural beauty of the landscape as well as a sense of place".
Another learner, John, has been working on the theme "windows" which has led him to experiment with ideas of space, both internal and in our surroundings.
"Line, surfaces and forms are some of the elements I am combining in less representative ways than previously," he said.
The abandoned buildings of the Highlands have fascinated Kate and have given her clues to the people who live there.
"I think the landscape shapes the people – fiercely independent but also incredibly supportive of each other," she said.
"I've tried to explore these ideas, showing the wildness of the countryside and the strength of character of the people".
The exhibition, Traces, will be on show at An Talla Solais, Market Street, Ullapool, from this Sunday (February 26) until Sunday, March 5, from 10am to 4pm daily.
Student sketchbooks and portfolios will also be on display, giving a fascinating insight into the creative process.
This exhibition marks the 23rd year of Ullapool’s Bridge House Art Portfolio course, founded and run by Eleanor White, assisted by a range of tutors. Together with An Talla Solais it is helping put Ullapool on the arts map.
