debbie lee - time well spent

28 May to 07 July
standing proud - foinaven
by debbie lee
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streaming - foinaven
by debbie lee
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last of the lazy beds - foinaven
by debbie lee
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glimpse - foinaven
by debbie lee
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backdrop to the beach - sanna bay
by debbie lee
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exit, either side - sanna bay
by debbie lee
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entry, either side - sanna bay
by debbie lee
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dune dwelling - sanna bay
by debbie lee
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center of attention - sanna bay
by debbie lee
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the bay beyond - sanna bay
by debbie lee
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crossing the point - sanna bay
by debbie lee
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beyond - sanna bay
by debbie lee
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Resipole Studios is delighted to present Time Well Spent: a solo show of textile and collage works by north of Scotland based artist Debbie Lee.

The thirteen artworks on display are a result of time spent walking in locations on the west coast of Scotland over two separate days, months apart.

Sanna Bay Circular

The first walk took place at Sanna Bay, in the far west of Ardnamurchan, at the beginning of November. I wanted to visit this beach after hearing just how beautiful it was. So, we chose a day when it was cold and blustery and empty. In my opinion, the best days on beaches are like this as you see them at their wildest.

However, on arrival we opted to head straight for the coast - not the beach - up a small hill with a cairn. Buffeted by wind, from there we could see the cliffs to one side, the beach to the other and the small isles out to sea. We then continued the walk around the headland and across the full length of the beach, trying our hardest to find the sign-posted sinking sands, luckily with no luck. No other people, just the wind in the grasses and time together. A good day, a good walk, inspiring 8 pictures of that beautiful place.

Featuring Foinaven

The second walk was at the end of winter in late March. It was a beautiful blue-sky day, unseasonably warm, and on my request, we walked into Sandwood Bay in the Far Northwest of Scotland. The views all around were clear, a rarity in this area. What struck me right from the beginning was that the mountain of Foinaven dominated the view inland all the way into the bay. It followed us, changing position and dominance ever so slightly all the way in, until at the beach where you could only see it peeking in the background. 16 years ago, I gave my youngest daughter the middle name of Foinaven, so seeing it so clearly all day was very special and rare, especially for a mountain so often covered in clouds. A surprise and a gift and a connection to the land in yet another way. Also an inspiration for these 5 pictures, Featuring Foinaven and depicting that walk.

Debbie grew up in the west Highland town of Fort William and studied Embroidered and Woven Textiles at Glasgow School of Art. After graduating, she worked as a woven textile designer before moving to outdoor clothing design. For the past twenty years, Debbie has lived and worked in Caithness, in the far north of Scotland. Her work, in the most part, is inspired by and depicts the scenery of Scotland, particularly the Highlands, where she has spent most of her life. Walking with family, friends and her dogs is where she draws the greatest inspiration, experiencing an amplified connection to the landscape by sharing it with others.

Debbie’s work is developed using layering of various techniques. Drawing forms the primary step to each piece, using black biro in sketchbooks to capture the feeling and movement of a place. The final pieces start with paint reflecting the sketch, which is used to define colour value, informing the following layers. These next layers are collage - both fabric and paper – then, finally, machine and hand embroidery. The resulting work is both considered, and intuitive, with several dimensions to it: image, composition, colour, line and texture.