These Precious Things, an talla solais, Ullapool, 21st July – 12th August 2012, 10 – 4 pm daily

Artists are the curators of memory; they distil thoughts and feelings into pieces of work upon which we can all reflect. Memories encapsulated in objects of art and design become lasting, monuments to time and place.

A forthcoming Highland exhibition entitled ‘These Precious Things’ is a group exhibition of sculpture and jewellery exploring the theme of memory. Much of the work in this exhibition is interdisciplinary crossing the boundaries between fine art and design, provoking dialogue around ideas of decoration, function and the conceptual.

‘These Precious Things’ will run from the 21st of July to the 12th of August in Ullapool’s vibrant An Talla Solais- a dynamic committee run visual arts centre promoting art exhibitions, events and courses in the North West Highlands. ‘These Precious Things’ is part of An Talla Solais’ summer programme of events.

London based jeweller Vicki Ambery-Smith, who has exhibited internationally for the last 20 years is one of ten contributors whose work will be on display. She creates delicate and ornate small-scale jewellery and boxes inspired by real and imaginary buildings. As all her jewelry is designed to be worn, and worn comfortably, the three-dimensional architectural structures on which she bases her work must be adapted rather than merely replicated in miniature. She captures the character of a building by producing a portrait in silver with accents of red and yellow gold. This will be Ambery-Smith’s first exhibition in the Highlands/Scotland(?) and a unique chance to appreciate her beautifully crafted pieces first hand.

Visual artist Jenny Pope, an avid beachcomber, works mainly with ceramics with mixed additives. She produces a range of works from small delicate objects to larger organic pieces. Her small scale delicate pieces are transformed into wearable jewelry while larger works appear like ancient weathered relics or remnants of the forgotten.

The exhibition will also feature work from Leesa French, Rachel Grant, Mhairi Killin, Sarah Macintyre, Laura Sutherland, Charlotte Watters and Lucy Woodley. The work incorporates a range of processes and a wide palette of materials including silver, gold, ceramics, and paper.

Award winning jewellery designer Merlin Planterose, who lives in Ullapool is delighted to be participating in an event which places equal value on both art and craft work. She says:

“I feel that having a strong concept behind my work really helps me to develop stronger pieces especially as it increases my own interest in the design if it is inspired by a story I have an attachment to. Working with the theme of memory is something that came very naturally to me as I often use the landscape and take inspiration from local history for my pieces, for my current collection I have looked specifically at the remote island of St Kilda. I have contrasted rough stone hammered textures with precious stones and hints of gold.”

Source: an talla solais