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Launching the Ark

 

ark poster

 

Dear All,

A long, quiet winter is now behind me and all the happy little daffodil heads are nodding away either side of the drive to the house.  Spring is here!  Seeds are sown!  Showery weather is back!

So this is the perfect time to launch Ark, a collection of work full of boats, birds and beasts (in a variety of unlikely combinations).  After making the work, I have only a week left to clear the cobwebs and the clutter from the studio in order to turn it into a temporary exhibition space.  But, it is amazing what a lick of white paint and some new spotlights will do.

On show will be textile wall hangings, framed textile collage, original textile and paper collage (mounted, but not framed, and selling at very attractive prices), hand made books, greeting cards and the odd experimental objet d’art.  And I have published a new book to accompany this show.  Ark, the book, features images of the key pieces of art work from this collection, along with some of my poetry and the occasional  photograph of Coigach and Assynt, my local patch of land and sea.

Ark, the exhibition, runs from Wednesday 25th of March until Wednesday 8th of April, 10 am until 4 pm each day.  If you have not visited my studio before, you can find directions on the Open Studio page of the website. I hope some of you will manage to come along to see the display and to buy a copy of the book.

If you cannot visit, but would like to experience the essence of the work, then you can buy a copy of Ark, the book, online by visiting the Prints and Publications page of the website. 

 

Mairearad Green

 

Co-incidentally, my long-time and occasional collaborator, Mairearad Green, has a new body of work on exhibition at an talla solais, in Ullapool.  Tìm (the Gaelic word for ‘time’, and which is pronounced ‘cheem’) runs from 27th March until 17th May.  This collection of bold and expressive paintings is accompanied by a new album of mesmeric music, also called Tìm, and I am delighted to have made a small contribution to the lyrics.  To buy the album and to find out more about this exciting project, visit Mairearad’s website here.

Well, this is a busy spring for me, since the Ark exhibition is quickly followed by a creative retreat, also running from my studio.  Then, for the rest of the spring and throughout summer, life takes on a more leisurely pace with, generally speaking, my studio open to visitors on Wednesdays until October (always best to check the up-to-date times via the website if travelling from afar).  Other than that, I plan on living an adventuresome life in 2026, as much as I can.

I wish you all the energy and optimism that comes with the spring solstice.

Jan

 

Open Studio 2026

 

Studio Sanctuary

 

Open Studio hours for 2026 are as follows:

Ark (Easter Exhibition): Wednesday 25th March - Wednesday 8th April, 10 am until 4 pm, daily.

then most Wednesdays from April  22nd until October. 

(Please check this website for confirmation of current opening times before travelling far to visit)

Winter Solstice Sale: Saturday 21st November - Sunday 6th December, 11 am until 3 pm, daily. 

All other visits to the studio are by appointment only. Please email Jan  to arrange a time that suits you.

 

 

See the Open Studio page for more details.

 

 

Earthworks Move into Print

 

Earthworks Book

 

At long last the book version of the Earthworks project is complete!  And as I leaf through the pages of the book, I feel the warm glow of a job well done, thanks to the solid support of Chelsea Frew (designer) and Ricky Frew (photographer).

This beautiful, high-quality art book contains over a hundred pages of images and words celebrating the intricate workings of the earth, as experienced through the eyes - and hands - of textile and mixed media artist Jan Kilpatrick.  Striking photography by Ricky Frew illustrates the landscape that both inspires Jan’s work and provides the materials from which the work is made.  The nature-led processes involved in the making are also recorded through photography, along with a selection of the finished textile and poetry works that emerged from this immersive project. It is a visual feast.

Earthworks, the book, is a textile-covered, hardback volume, almost A4 in size.  It is limited to an edition of 500 signed copies and was launched on the 28th of May 2023.  It is only available through the artist’s website.  To make an advance order, please click here.

 

March 2023 

 

fieldjan2

An Open Field

 

Well, that’s it folks! I’ve finished my last week of proper teaching. No more endless ‘To Do’ lists or lengthy lesson plans, just a wide open field of possibilities for this next stage of my life. Yikes!

Talking about fields: the last course was called A Field of Stitches, and with me were a great group of people with whom to end my teaching career. To get a flavour of our adventures, have a look at the Field of Stitches page of the website.

Another reason for writing to you is to remind you that I am taking part in a group textile exhibition at Studio 44 Gallery in Largs. The range and juxtaposition of works on display is exciting to see, so do go along if you can. The exhibition runs until 6th July, Tuesday - Saturday, 11 am - 5 pm.

So, I am entering this summer with an open mind and an open heart, wondering how it will shape up. I will likely make some small work and, in fact, a few new pieces are already on the online shop of my website, if you want to look. And then, eventually, I will start thinking about the next exhibition, which will be in the winter, at my own studio.

But there is no hurry for any of that. Let the summer begin!

Happy Summer Solstice, 2025.

Jan   

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Collaborations

home ebbandflow 

Hearth

hearth

Mairearad Green, renowned musician, composer, artist and long-time collaborator of mine, is about to release a series of limited edition vinyl records under the collective title of Hearth. They record and celebrate Mairearad’s forebears, the women of Coigach who have walked the same land she walks today.

Most of the lyrics were written by me in collaboration with Mairearad, or by me alone, so I am particularly excited to see this project come to fruition. Of course, the music is all Mairearad’s own, as are the sumptuously expressive paintings she has created for the vinyl sleeves.

Each record is individually numbered and is accompanied by a free booklet of lyrics and images. They are available to buy individually, or as a collection. Visually, the covers are rich and highly evocative of the Coigach landscape and the sound of each recording is ethereal and many-layered. What a privilege it has been for me to be involved, in a small way, in the making of such an immersive piece of art. To find out more, or to buy, please visit the shop page of Mairearad’s website.

summerislescoverSHOPCDSounds of the Summer Isles

Mairearad Green, the talented and award-winning musician and composer, is bringing out a new album called "Summer Isles".  I am thrilled to tell you that she has used three of my poems, all written during annual retreats on Tanera, as lyrics.  The album is mesmerising: each track, in turn, conjours up the history, the wildlife and the spirit of the place.  The Summer Isles provided the physical backdrop to Mairearad's childhood on the nearby mainland peninsula of Achiltibuie,  and this album displays both the lightness of touch and depth of knowledge only to be found in the work of someone with such a strong sense of place.

If you would like to order a copy of the album, please go to Mairearad's own website.

Dancing with the Wind Part I

The Washing Line

(35 seconds)

Dancing with the Wind Part II

The Washing Line

(35 seconds)

 

Alliteration

April 2022

Night Vigil I

The Covid lockdowns of 2020 and 2021 were, for me, a time of profound isolation and intense creative development. As I worked away on textile pieces on the theme of “Earthworks”, and all the connotations that word implies, I found myself drawn more and more to the incidental and repeat marks that I found in the cloth, much of which had been boiled up on the bonfire or buried in the peat. There were so many variations and rhythms of marks such as a circles and lines that I felt myself drifting away from making representational images of the natural world and drawn towards celebrating the patterns and shapes that are common to all life forms.

 

Some of these shapes are almost calligraphy and call to mind the ancient Celtic language of Ogham, or Nordic runic inscriptions, or the symbols that are found in pre-historic art. The term “alliteration” is often used to describe a series of words that have a similar starting sound, eg she sells sea shells, but a different ending from each other. I find great joy in the fact that, in nature, once one looks beyond the obvious repetition, there is an enormous variation in mark and form to be found. These subtle differences create a rhythm which delights my eye.  This gallery represents my first steps in making work in this direction.

 

 

 

 

 

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Last updated: 2024, February 29
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Testimonials

 

"Thank you again for a very special five days. I enjoyed every minute of it thanks to your generosity of materials, knowledge and experience. I learnt a huge amount and now have loads of new ideas and techniques to try out.

Take care Jan and look after yourself after spending five days looking after us."

Jill, 2022

 

"Thank you so much for the wonderful course "Fabric of the Land". The beautiful recipe book you encouraged us to make will be a valuable lifelong resource, a thing of beauty in its self.  I will enjoy remembering the comfortable chat in the workshop, stirring the pots, the excitiment of opening the bundles & the quiet thoughtfulness around the bonfire.

I can't not mention your generositiy in looking after our every needs in coffees, cakes & bakes, absolutely delicious & food for the soul."

Anon, Highlands, 2021

 

“I found 'Fabric of the Land' fun, fascinating and inspiring.  The course was expertly designed and delivered.  Jan demystified  the dyeing processes with clear explanations and demonstrations, and she encouraged experimentation. Although a novice I produced dyed cloths I am proud of. “

Maggie, Belfast, 2018

 

"I’m a bit of a class junkie and have had the pleasure of attending many classes across the UK over many years.  The class I’ve just completed with Jan definitely wins the prize for being the best I’ve been to.  I’ve come away feeling nourished mentally and physically as well as creatively energised and excited. Jan is a hugely talented and generous teacher, gently guiding and inspiring each and every day.  The class was relaxed and yet we were prolific each day, each in our own style.  I’ve come away with so many pieces and ideas that I can’t wait to build even further upon.  I feel like Jan waved her  wand in her fabulous location with her apparently infinite materials and created a creative haven.  The piece I made on my last day might be my favourite ever..   I will return, over and over I hope and would strongly recommend that anyone attend - to learn, to laugh, to relax and to surprise yourself..  ps the cake is great too!"

Suzanne, Edinburgh, 2018

 

"First of all thank you so much for a wonderful creative and fun weekend. I ate and drank so much and laughed and learned with lovely feisty women and a great teacher. What more could anyone wish for?"

Mary, 2018

 

"Just to say how much I enjoyed the A Forest of Stitches course. In addition to being a skilled and creative crafts person you are also an outstanding teacher.
I thoroughly enjoyed the pace and content of the first part of the course where we learned the basics.
The second part of the course was more challenging for me - creating - but you were there to look, listen and suggest.  You really challenged and stretched me and forced me out of my rut but in a safe and supportive way. I am sure I will use your techniques in future pieces.
Added to all this was the wonderful food.
Thank you so much for a great 4 days."

Pamela, 2017

 

"... I also wanted to thank you for the wonderful two weeks of "sewing heaven" in Ullapool recently. It was a long drive up from Bedford but so worthwhile, I enjoyed every minute of it and came away feeling very inspired. Thanks for your patience, encouragement and "recovery techniques" when things didn't work out quite as expected ­ I love a "plan B" and you have plenty of those! You covered so many techniques which I found fascinating and it was fun to let my imagination run riot at times. In fact, I don't remember the last time I had so much fun and became so totally absorbed in an activity that I lost all track of time. There weren't enough hours in the day for me. Having a delicious lunch, tea/coffee and those wonderful cakes served at regular intervals was such a treat too. Thanks for all your hard work and the effort you put into making both courses so enjoyable. I'll definitely think about coming back for more courses in the future, if I can."

Wendy, Bedfordshire

 

"Just want to thank you both for one of the best weekends I have ever had! It was so much more than I ever expected. I was bowled over by the generosity of you both. Your B&B is outstanding!! I was so touched by the things you both do that go the extra mile."

Cheryl, Aberdeenshire

 

"Just a little note to say how much I enjoyed and was completely inspired by the outdoor mosaic course. I loved it! Your teaching and encouragement and Katies lovely hospitality were just wonderful. The other ladies on the course were so lovely and everyone had such different style, creativity was there in bucket loads. I was very sad to leave. My slate mosaics have been much admired, my daughters loved my owl. My glass cutters and grosier plyers are on order so there will be no stopping me. I have a few things to finish before I tackle some outdoor stuff (if it ever stops raining). So thank you again for all the fantastic knowledge and enthusiasm you shared with us. I have attached some photos of my "teeny- weeny" tile cutting style which I will still use I am sure but I can also add to my skills, "big & bold", "colourful & joyful" thanks to you."

Lynne, Aberdeenshire

 

"Thank you as ever for your encouragement. I do love just about everything about making mosaics thanks to you and it’s added great joy to my life, and as you know I do like to laugh and enjoy life!"

Ros, Bedfordshire

 

textile testimonials"Great work! You are certainly an inspiration to your students, and I have found a new dimension to my work since attending your courses. Maybe I'll manage to attend another in the future. I have lots of happy memories in your company."

Betty, Dumfries

 

"Dear Jan, thank you very much indeed for the course we attended last weekend in Ullapool. The family were very impressed with my creations that will soon have pride of place in a visible position to be appreciated by all! I have already recommended your course to other friends.Not only was your instruction put across in an understanding and fun way but you also managed to keep us fuelled with teas/coffees, homebaked cakes and the most delicious banquet lunch - single- handedly! Wild Tiles by wonder-woman........."

Carrie, Scotland

 

"Dear Jan - Huge thanks for the superb courses recently.  I really enjoyed them both. I love your teaching style, and you have given me the inspiration and confidence to tackle anything!! Don't ever srop!"

Maureen, Sutherland.

 

"Jan - having just attended your course on Sunday 29th March, I just wanted to say thanks for a great day. We all appreciated the amount of time and effort you put in and we were all so pleased with our finished pieces. As I am retiring this year, I have been inspired to take up mosaics as a hobby. Thanks again for a great day."

Chris, Inverness.

 

"Thanks for a fantastic day on Sunday. Everyone really enjoyed it and we would recommend this to anyone. Not only was the course FAB but your cooking was excellent and we all had great day out. A few of us are going to go out this weekend and buy some of the tools and some tiles to try again and I think quite a few would like to try an outdoor mosaics course sometime."

Margaret, Inverness.

 

mosaic testimonials"Just to say thank you again for the inspirational and uplifting 2 days at Four Winds last weekend. It was definately worth the drive frrom Wolverhampton. I've got my supplies from Wickes and am raring to go!"

Jane (butterfly birdbath), Wolverhampton.

 

"Hi Jan - just wanted to say that I've now given my mosaic mirror to my wee niece and she absolutely loves it! Thanks again for a wonderful day at Kate's - your patience and expertise really brought out the creativity in all of us. A very interesting, enjoyable and relaxed experience"

Kirsten, Scotland.

 

"I have to tell you how much I enjoyed yesterday's workshop. It was everything I had hoped for and more...Thank you so much again for a really fun and memorable day. It will live with me for a long time."

Antonia, Edinburgh.  

 

"I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the day at Kate's farm... I had dabbled with using traditional tiles on a basic level but your 'organic' method was far more interesting and creative. Thanks again for patiently sharing your expertise."

Helen, Stirling.  

 

"Many thanks once again for the most fantastic and enjoyable course I've ever been on and for all your hospitality!"

Sue, Somerset.  

 

"We are still on a high from our wonderful weekend with you ... your warmth, generosity, hospitality ... uplifting company ... inspiration at every turn. We all thought we'd died and gone to heaven!"

Alison, Kingussie.

 

"It was a wonderfully happy and unforgettable weekend. If you had asked me when I was twenty five what I would be doing at seventy five, I would have said "Knitting and dead-heading the roses". Never did I think I'd be up to my elbows in grout, producing such a beautiful work of art! I certainly hope I'll return for more of your excellent tuition, outstanding cooking and warmth and encouragement."

Margaret, Ayrshire.  

 

"A super weekend ... great fun tuition with lots of inspiration and encouragement, marvellous cooking, great surroundings and above all, good company."

Wendy, Perth.  

 

textile workshop testimonialsThe Wildtiles workshop ; Batik, Tie-Dyeing, Textiles & Mosaic Courses.  "Thank you for such an uplifting weekend. We all appreciated just how much effort you put into making is so welcome, giving us fantastic ideas and encouragement - not to mention feeding us delicious food."

 Christine, Aberdeen.  

 

"What a place. What a welcome. What a woman!"

Ruth, Argyll.

 

"You are an excellent teacher - very nurturing, supportive - building confidence and drawing out all the lights under bushells!"

Elaine, Crieff.  

 

"Just wanted to say a huge thank you to you for a fantastic week on Textile Illuminations recently. It far exceeded my expectations and I enjoyed the whole thing so much. I appreciated your clear demonstrations of new techniques and how well organised and prepared you were for each day with materials, etc, even down to our individually labelled boxes for pieces of work! I also appreciated how encouraging you were to each of us as we produced our fabrics and (what seemed like) genuine pleasure in the results of our experimenting!"

Esther , Edinburgh.  

 

"You are an outstanding tutor and artist. "

Liz, Argyll.  

 

 "I have to tell you how much I enjoyed yesterday's workshop. It was everything I had hoped for and more...Thank you so much again for a really fun and memorable day. It will live with me for a long time."

Antonia, Edinburgh.  

 

 "It was a wonderful weekend. Everyone I have seen is still talking about it and what they are going to try out next so you have definately planted the seed in our imagination. Thank you for coming so far to give us such a good time - it really was one of the best workshops we have had for a while. "

Wendy, Aberdeenshire.  

 

Email : info@jankilpatrick.co.uk    Tel : 01854 666279,   Postal Address : Jan Kilpatrick, Cul Mor, Elphin, By Lairg, Sutherland, IV274HH.  

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