Summer Bothy
 
The Outer Hebrides has a beautiful silvery coloured light and lots of little Bothys, which always made me smile.  They are in various states of repair and have various uses from homes to basic overnight accommodation for hikers.  I wanted to make a print of an idyllic Bothy in a perfect place, utilising a series of images that had remained in my head from travels to the islands. 
When I was travelling around the islands, it felt like I was always near water. Fresh or saltwater, sea or lochs, and a lot of the Bothys we saw were very close to the water.  I love the water, it reflects what is happening, on a sunny day it can be mirror still, under a gentle breeze the surface can ripple and skip, so it seemed right to place the Bothy near the water.
The final element I needed slipped into place when I saw the wildflowers dancing on the machair, the low-lying grassy plains that cover the Hebrides.
I like to think that the artwork will provide a moment of peace and tranquillity when you look at it, enabling a brief pause from our sometimes packed too full lives.
 
A reduction Lino print is made by using the same piece of Lino to print all the colours.  Each time a layer is printed then more of the surface of the Lino is removed, reducing the surface area.  Each me you put a layer of ink on the Lino and print it, the Lino must come into contact with the paper at the same place, otherwise the picture does not align and will not be usable.  Reduction lino printing requires careful planning and precision, as mistakes cannot be easily corrected once a layer of ink has been applied. It is a time-consuming process, but the end result can be a beautiful, vibrant and layered print.  I start off intending to make 10 images and usually end up with 7 or 8, but it can be less.
 
Summer Bothy
 
30 x 30 cm
An Edition of 9.
Caligo Safewash ink
Somerset Satin 300 GSM paper.
 
Each Lino cut is titled, editioned and signed on the front.