An exhibition of slate mosaics in the new Atlantic Islands Centre in Argyll is going down a storm with visitors and locals.
Well known artist Dugald MacInnes sources most of his slate from disused quarries in Scotland, particularly on the islands of Seil and Luing.
So it would be hard to find a more appropriate opening exhibition for the centre on Luing.
Mr MacInnes has exhibited in Scotland, the USA, England, France and Italy, and has gained awards both domestic and international, but this is the first time his work has come home to a slate island.
He said: “The materials that I use are employed to create texture and colour within, what I hope, are compositions that are interesting to the eye, led by the natural warmth of the stone.”
In creating his mosaics he also uses stone from Cornwall and the Loire Valley, and shales from Tuscany in Italy and from near his home in Kilsyth.
Born in Glencoe and raised in Dalavich on Loch Aweside, Mr MacInnes trained in mural design under George Garson at Glasgow School of Art and subsequently gained a degree in geology at the Open University as well as becoming an experienced archaeologist. He is also a professional member of the Royal Scottish Academy.
Mr MacInnes said: “I grew up in Dalavich and on occasion my family would visit Seil and Easdale where I spent time exploring the slate quarries. Years later, when at art school, my tutor, George Garson introduced me to his small slate mosaics – Easdale slate no less – and the course of my life was changed.”
Images of an archaeological nature have been used in the Luing exhibition, for example, the standing stones at Duachy on Seil and at Kilmartin.
The landscape, geology and archaeology of Argyll have, and remain, the principal source of his artistic expression.
The coast around the slate islands has been intrinsic to his art and Mr MacInnes returns to this beautiful part of Scotland as often as he can.
The Atlantic Islands Centre has just launched an artist call for submissions, to exhibit their work from October 2015 into the new year. Following a highly popular first exhibition, they are keen to secure high quality artwork from a new artist – ideally based in, or with a strong connection to, Argyll and the Isles – to see them through the Christmas period and beyond.