During the past 18 months, I have not stopped painting, but have used my skills in the field of archaeology. The past two summers, my husband and I have worked as citizen scientists on the Oxford Hillfort Atlas Project. I have surveyed, measured and done site maps for Iron Age structures on the Isle of Skye in Scotland. My interest in textiles has now extended to prehistoric textiles and how they were produced. I have done numerous portraits of ancient breed sheep in watercolor. The Western Isles of Scotland are rich in their sheepy heritage, being home to many flocks of ancient breed sheep set in a landscape that is breathtaking in its wildness and dramatic beauty. We have made friends on the islands and feel a connection to the place and its people. My husband is the first in his family to have not been born in Scotland and plays the bagpipes, so it is a good fit for both of us.
I have also been doing some experimental archaeology and researching spindles for spinning wool. I've studied ceramics for the past 2 years and have developed stoneware whorls. My husband is doing a beautiful job turning the spindle shafts out of wood. I have become adept at spinning fine, consistent yarns on my spindles.
I have found these elemental creative activities very satisfying and the research and travel stimulating. If you are interested in prehistory, spinning, rare breed sheep, travel or watercolor painting, I hope you will check back in from time to time to share this journey with me.
