By Bernie Bell.

I read that there’s an exhibition in the Orkney Museum presenting the work of some of Orkney’s contemporary artists and makers.  Considering the ‘line up’, we wanted to go and see for ourselves, so we scanned the horizon for Liners, and ventured into Kirkwall. 

The works are contemporary, but connect with Orkney through time – sometimes historically, sometimes organically, sometimes geologically.

The exhibition is in two parts.  The first selection that we looked at is in the central space of the ground floor of the Museum, and the second selection is tucked in by the winding stair to the first floor.

The following is based purely on my personal preferences – and what was easiest to photograph!

To begin the main, largest part of the exhibition – Stuart Broadhurst’s wonderful objects formed from clay and stone

my favourite being

And….I covet that tea-pot

Francis Pelly’s sleeping bird and hares – the word ‘tactile’ doesn’t begin to describe them

Plus…a group of landscapes by Francis Pelly

which warrant being shown separately

As someone with a mild obsession with ancient carved stone balls……

Orkney Stone Balls

………Helen Keauffling’s clay spheres caught my eye

So much so, that we bought this one!

In the little side-room,  Kevin Gauld’s drift wood mirror

And a bit of Sheena Graham-George magic

By the winding stair….I’ll start with Peter Drummond’s actual size interpretation of the Brough of Birsay Pictish stone

and take the opportunity to mention what a grand place Birsay is for a day out…

Didn’t we have a loverly time, the day we went to Birsay…….

Followed by Marion Miller’s jewellery  – inspired by finds on the Orkney sea-shore.

I particularly like Donna Eunson’s kiln-fired glass dishes

One case holds three forms of work…..Neil Leask’s woven grass,  plus Andrew and Nicky Appleby’s ceramics

and examples of weaving by Marianna van der Es

The next case has more examples of Andrew’s ceramics – his ‘Face Pot’ and ‘Fractures and Flows’

Plus Frances Garriock’s jewellery inspired by Orkney’s past

Then a case of absolutely ace ceramics by Kirstie Bruce

my favourite being 

I finish my tour with Robbie Thomson’s lamps

All pieces in the exhibition are for sale…….I’m thinking Christmas presents?