Undoubtedly one of Edinburgh’s most elegant and inspiring exhibition spaces, The Scottish Gallery is currently hosting a show reflecting their usual eclectic mix of precious objects alongside fine art from established and upcoming artists. Timed to coincide with the annual Edinburgh International Festival, Fine Lines blends Scottish and international works linked by a common thread: each piece, whatever its size is vibrant, accomplished and highly desirable.

This review focuses on the objects on show which in no way diminishes our interest in the jewellery.

My visit coincided with an opportunity to meet artist and silversmith Miriam Hanid who gave an informative talk about her silver and gold vessels and platters, followed by a chance to handle and examine the exhibited works in detail. The sensuality and sensitivity of her pieces was all the more apparent – in turn boldly sculptural and finely detailed, the two approaches often embodied in one piece, drawing on her extensive skills in chasing, repoussé and engraving.

“The essence of movement in water is the inspiration for my work.”
Miriam Hanid, 2015.

Water features large, in the sheer fluidity of Miriam’s chosen forms and more graphically in the water ripples, waves, sea scapes and the reflections of birds in flight, skies and clouds. Evidence of a recent trip to Morocco was also apparent as were the daily visual cues found closer to home and her studio: delicate leaves, feathers and intricate flower forms, many picked out in lemon gold against the multi faceted textures of silver.

Also on show Jim Partridge and Liz Walmsley’s gorgeously tactile and satisfyingly comfortable scorched oak furniture and Jim’s burr oak vessels – solid, warm and soft as only wood can be, refined and inviting.

Susan Hipgrave’s display highlighted on-trend black and white botanical paintings on porcelain plates, classics with a twist – life-like yet not quite true to life, nature hybridised in intricate detail, full of graphic impact.

Kirsten Coelho’s porcelain is all handbuilt and finely glazed, immensely pleasing, familiar and mysterious in one breath, arranged singly and in groups to form narratives like abstract paintings – exploring form, colour, tone and light.

My eye was drawn to two other artists, not strictly speaking part of the show.

Akiko Hirai’s huge vase oozed organic texture inviting touch, juxtaposing the raw with the smooth in a perfectly imperfect shape.

Outside Andrea Geile’s sculptures graced the outdoor space playing with light, shadows, shapes and yet more texture, gracefully complementing The Scottish Gallery’s beautifully tended little garden.

Fine Lines, downstairs at The Scottish Gallery, Edinburgh, runs till 5th September 2015 as does Into The Wild, outside.

Text: © Emma Boden, 2015
Photos: © Emma Boden except Miriam Hanid’s Hosta by Lucy Moseley and Andrea Geile’s sculpture, photographed by the artist.