Arboreum - Mairi Strachan

ARBOREUM  -  MAIRI STRACHAN

My work is a drawn interpretation of what I see.  Much of the work is monochromatic and is based on observational detail from nature.  The drawing process  reveals details to me that just looking does not.  Each drawing tries to understand the structure of the object and how to honestly represent it and still retain as best as I can the integrity of the original. 

Various studies of trees started as a continuation of this process and for now have become my main focus.  It seems impossible to walk past these great beasts in our landscape, whether still standing or felled, without wanting to capture something of them.  I have used different materials to try to find ways of explaining their unique characteristics but mainly work in inks and charcoal.  I find different materials will influence the outcome eg ink pens are more about line whereas liquid charcoal will produce solid shapes and tones.

I have been instinctively drawn to working in a larger format with charcoal for a number of years particularly where rendering the forms and textures of old, often dead, trees; which seem to hold many similarities to the human form in the lines of their torsos and limbs.  I want my work to be a true representation of what I am seeing but also a personal one.

The exhibition runs from Friday 4 July to Thursday 10 July and all are invited to come along to an afternoon Viewing on Sunday 6 July, between 2 and 5pm - refreshments and nibbles. Free entry.  The exhibition runs from 11.00 - 4.00 daily   4 -10 July 2025  with an early closing at 2pm on Thursday 10 July.  The Old Brewery, Cromarty.