Sharon MacPherson - Nature and Landscape Artist, Isle of Berneray
As part of my November theme of ‘Creative Women in the Hebrides’, I would like to introduce the artist Sharon MacPherson.
In a chink of good weather, Sharon and I found time for a walk on the beach and a catch up chat …
So Sharon, we live on the same island of Berneray in the Outer Hebrides, which is really quite tiny, only about 3 miles long with a population of around 130 people. It has a very creative community but you are the only artist who actually grew up here throughout your childhood.
Weather permitting … Sharon prefers to sketch outdoors.
(Pottery Tree Wristwarmers and Cowl by Birlinn Yarn)
What are your special memories of life on Berneray?
I feel extremely fortunate having experienced such a unique way of life growing up on the islands. I am especially grateful for the freedom and safety we had as children exploring our wild and open spaces … seeking adventure, roaming the hills, Machair and shorelines.
Growing up, my sister and I spent a lot of time with our much loved gran, Becca on her Croft. Here, we would help with easier crofting activities such as feeding lambs, collecting hens eggs and chasing away stray sheep! I must mention, our gran was highly skilled at knitting and frequently gifted knitwear to islanders and visitors. Her beautifully crafted, yet hard wearing socks were extremely popular with local crofters.
Like many young islanders, I moved to the mainland to continue my education at University. Initially hoping to pursue a career in the Arts, I changed direction and qualified with a BSc in Bio/Molecular Sciences followed by a Masters at Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen. Although many of us had moved away, we could never ignore the pull and excitement to return home during the summer months. Reuniting with family and friends at community events such as beach gatherings and ceilidhs.
Do you think your island childhood has had an influence on your work?
Undoubtedly, my connection to the land and sea is deep rooted, with my lineage here on Berneray dating back many generations. Although I have been drawing and painting since childhood, my influences behind my coastal paintings have come to light in more recent years.
After a temporary period at home in 2014, I was given a wonderful opportunity to rediscover drawing and painting. It was from this moment, I immersed myself in island life and pursued my life goal to develop as an artist.
As well as land/seascapes, I especially love to paint local wildlife. Growing up within a crofting community most certainly influenced my love and respect for animals, allowing me to understand the nature and character of the subjects that I paint.
I feel very fortunate that I am able to capture some of my own reference material on camera – my favourite collections being the wonderful variety of seabirds. On the croft, I always found the local Blackface rams such fascinating and strong subjects – these boys frequently feature in my work!
What inspires you when you head out to paint?
My inspiration is my experience of the Hebridean landscape, how light alters colour, the interplay and merging between land, sea and sky. Being within the landscape, feeling the elements, absorbing and observing my surroundings also provides me with time for thought and reflection.
My plein air sketches (usually in watercolour) are often accompanied by written notes detailing feelings, thoughts or sounds – invaluable as reference when developing larger oil works back in the studio.
Where would you like to take your Art from here?
Continuing to explore our Hebridean coastlines, leading me to new solitary shores where I can study the effects of changing light and capture the tranquillity and unpredictability of our wild open spaces.
The expansiveness is where I find a sense of peace and it’s this intangible quality that I aim to capture in my paintings. Using bold open brushstrokes alongside palette knife mark making, I hope to achieve rich and textured paintings, celebrating the Hebridean light and colours.
In the coming months, Sharon will move into her newly renovated Gran’s house in Borve and continue a new era of crofting women on the island – we wish her the very best of luck.
If you would like to find out more about Sharon’s work or to purchase any of her art please go to her website:
sharonmacphersonart.com
