There are some exhibitions that stay with you long after you've left the gallery, and Landscapes of Becoming is undoubtedly one of them.
A Place that Remembered Me - Ellis O'Connor & Pear-Shaped Vase by Bay Studio Ceramics
We're delighted to welcome this stunning new solo exhibition by Scottish artist Ellis O'Connor, bringing together a breathtaking collection of paintings inspired by her recent travels through New Zealand and her lifelong connection to the wild landscapes of Scotland.
Known for creating paintings that people connect with on such an emotional level, Ellis has a remarkable way of capturing not just the landscape itself, but how it feels to stand within it. Full of movement, atmosphere and light, her work invites you to pause, slow down and become immersed in each painting.
Finding the Edges of Home - Ellis O'Connor
This latest collection marks an exciting new chapter in Ellis' practice. Created after spending time travelling through New Zealand earlier this year, the paintings reflect a period of personal growth, creative freedom and transformation.
Although Scotland and New Zealand share many similarities, it was the intensity of New Zealand's colours and light that left the greatest impression.
Ellis O'Connor in her studio
"Everything felt so saturated and intense and the light felt so different... I can't really explain it but it just felt so different emotionally."
Rather than consciously changing her style, Ellis simply allowed those experiences to find their own way into the work.
"There have been colours I've been really drawn to recently since returning from New Zealand. It's always interesting to be guided by the process and allow the development to happen organically."
One painting that feels especially powerful is Earth in Motion, inspired by memories of walking through New Zealand's vast rainforests.
Earth in Motion - Ellis O'Connor
"The inspiration comes from many scenes in my head of walking through gigantic buzzing alive rainforests and the feeling of being small and immersed so completely in it."
For Ellis, this collection is about more than the places she's visited. It's about embracing change, continuing to grow as an artist and allowing her work to evolve alongside her own experiences.
"It's so important to me as an artist to continue to fill my cup up with new inspiration, to get out of my comfort zone and to develop and grow alongside my work."
Bubble Form Vase & Geometric Faceted Vase by Bay Studio Ceramics, Jean Bay Frazer in her studio and Narrow Necked Twin Handled Vase
Alongside Ellis' paintings, we're also delighted to be showing a beautiful collection of one-off ceramic vessels by Fife-based ceramic artist Jean Bay Frazer of Bay Studio Ceramics. Created during her transition into motherhood, Jean's intuitive stoneware vessels beautifully echo the exhibition's themes of growth and transformation. It's especially lovely to see Jean and Ellis exhibiting together again, having first studied alongside one another at art school before following their own creative paths.
Together, their work fills the gallery beautifully. Ellis' paintings are powerful, immersive and full of emotion, while Jean's ceramics bring a quiet, tactile balance to the exhibition.
Quiet Becoming by Ellis O'Connor & Twin Handled Vase by Bay Studio Ceramics
Landscapes of Becoming opens on Saturday 1st August, 11am-2pm and continues until 29th August, and we'd love to welcome you into the gallery to experience this remarkable collection in person.