Industrial Caithness

She looks intently at the formation of rock and shows the connection between rock and viewer through digital portraits. Alongside Caroline’s work, and throughout the exhibition are photographs taken by photographer Gavin Macqueen who grew up in Caithness. These are magnificent depictions of the remnants of older industries such as crofts.

This is a critical workforce in Caithness, providing a huge percentage of employment, and providing essential care for a rural population. There are unique issues facing people living in rural locations, and Penny’s work draws attention to the existing and potential threats to wellbeing if this industry continues to be deprived of the funding it needs.

David was inspired by his daughter Ava, one of the Rising Artists of Caithness, to finish off a ‘found sea-glass’ fish which is a gem in this exhibition. Each piece of sea-glass was once a bottle or a lamp or had some practical purpose. It is not easy to find sea-glass; there is a technique to it! David has collected blues, greens, turquoises, navies, ceruleans and more to produce a shimmering sea creature which we are delighted to be able to show. Art isn’t always a job, sometimes it is a source of pride, satisfaction and creativity and David shows that wonderfully.

The local community chose people and businesses which they felt deserved recognition for the work they do. Katie Budge and Ally Mack, both Wick-based photographers, have taken photos of individuals including exhibition legend Bobby from the North Coast Visitor Centre, Dee Campbell, co-ordinator of Cats Protection Caithness and Kerry Montgomery of Spellbound Caithness. They’ve snapped shots of the Wolfburn and North Coast Distilleries, Brian Cardosi the hospitality maverick, Kenneth McElroy of the extraordinary Caithness Broch Project, and Ady Harper Jnr the musician par excellence. Harwyn of the Northern-most comic book store in the UK has been photographed, as have Yvonne and Bronwyn who make up the Craft North partnership. We would like to thank each person for their time and participation in this project. Do take a moment to look them up, and see what they do for the community.

Jackie is a well-beloved painter who has made two pieces in oil and archival material, mostly newsprints. Her two pieces hang on the far wall of the exhibition and show the Thurso and Scrabster harbours. Her sensitive style and talent with oil paint come together to produce captivating depictions of the lungs of local industry. The harbours connect Caithness with the sea, where fishermen have ventured out to collect the harvests of the ocean for many generations.

Caithness flag is known through the world for both its hardiness and beauty. This light and precise material has been used by George to produce a sculpture which sits in the middle of this exhibition. History and finesse beat through this piece, and it is an honour to have this piece at the heart of the Industrial Caithness exhibition.

In May this year, storyteller Alex Patience visited 8 local primary schools to tell the students stories of the industries of Caithness. These tales spoke about people lost and found at sea, of the wisdom of the ghillie, and accidental voyages to America. Each of the students was asked to produce a piece of art which showed ‘the industry they would like to work in when they are older’. The ambitions of the young people of Caithness are exciting to see, and the quality of the work is a testament to the teachers they have. Thank you to each primary school who took part, and see all of the students’ works in the digital exhibition we will be putting together later in the year.

In the back centre of the exhibition, you will see a full-sized felted musician which Eleanor has made over the last few months. Eleanor works full time as a nurse at Wick hospital, and so to have made this exquisite piece alongside her occupation, whilst also raising a fabulously musically-talented teenager, is amazing. “Fiddler” is made from hessian fibre, cotton and wire and would suit being homes in a public space – offers are being considered. Eleanor’s smaller figures are also dotted around the exhibition, and her work is available through her Facebook Page “The Caithessians”. Although Eleanor does do commissions, we will warn you that she is in high demand for her exquisite works.

Water from the Hempriggs loch flows toward the sea and has been used to produce Old Pulteney whisky since 1826. Paul photographs with a magnificent style which shows Caithness scenes at their best.

Glass is another rib in Caithness industry; this fragile and versatile economy has employed many residents at some point. Meg fuses and parts glass panels to depict elements of the fishing and herring industry here. her work is informed by her pursuit of a Masters Degree in Contemporary Art and Archeology, and this shows in the richly researched subjects of her pieces.

Ena Kelly, Jess Sutherland, Lorraine Tait, Ava Mackay and Jaiya Sutherland have attended workshops in felt/cotton figure making (with Eleanor Lee), jewellery making (with Lindsey Gallacher), glassblowing (with Ian Pearson), printmaking (with Katie Squires) and acrylic painting and polymer crafting (with Jackie Newton). Over the year, these emerging artists have developed work which is shown in the Industrial Caithness exhibition as well as pursuing their own art careers. it’s been brilliant to watch confidence grow and gorgeous work being produced. Keep an eye out for these guys, and see the work they’re showing in what for some of them is their first time exhibiting art. Well done guys, and all the best for your future!