Gail Turpin: Showcase
"I hope that my enjoyment and close observation of the ordinary - yet complex or imperfect - objects found in our immediate environment are passed on to the viewer."
A collection of works undertaken during Turpin's two week residency in Scalloway. Once the ancient capital of Shetland, the village is today a modern progressive community centred around the sheltered busy commercial harbour.
Gail studied graphic design at Edinburgh College of Art and began a career in design which has taken her to London, Amsterdam and back once again to Edinburgh. As a designer, and now as an artist, drawing continues to be a core part of her process.
Having spent her life constantly looking at colour, texture, composition and use of space - the line between art and design was always very blurred. She explores drawing, painting, monoprinting and collage on paper, wood and fabric to multi-layered effect.
Since early childhood, drawing and making things, such as working with textiles, making clothes, sewing and knitting etc, was almost a daily activity.
With a studio based in the heart of Stockbridge, the art of observing nature is often her starting point. In terms of materials, she works with what is around her at the time: found pieces of wood, fabric and yarn from her stash, charcoal, pencils, acrylic, ink, oil bar.
Gail was awarded the J.W. Gordon Smith Trust prize at the Society of Scottish Artists exhibition in 2022.
She was also awarded the Purcell Paper prize in 2022 and the Golden Hare books award in 2024 for works from her 'Nesting' series made during lockdown.