The Art & Design Library at Edinburgh Central Library is showcasing the work of Carolyn Burchell throughout August. Pathways is a collection of paintings in acrylic by the Scottish artist and tutor, with its title drawing inspiration from author Rebecca Solnit’s description of a path from her 2001 book Wanderlust:

‘The path is an extension of walking, the places set aside for walking are monuments to that pursuit, and walking is a way of making the world as well as being in it. Thus the walking body can be traced in the places it has made; paths, parks, sidewalks are traces of the acting out of imagination and desire; walking sticks, shoes, maps, canteens and backpacks are further material results of that desire.’

‘This exhibition originated from a series of walks around Oban, Kirk Yetholm in Northumberland, Kirkcudbright and numerous return visits to Edinburgh gardens such as the Royal Botanical Garden, Saughton Park and Malleny Garden. Having grown-up in the city, she has often drawn in favourite parks and gardens in the city.’

Carolyn says, ‘Travels throughout Europe have informed my artwork for many years. I am attracted to painting a variety of landscape and street scenes, mainly middle distance or smaller areas with focus upon plant life, trees, woodland, glimpses of a building, sea and sometimes figures walking.

Carolyn studied at Edinburgh College of Art for a degree in Drawing and Painting and Post-Graduate Diploma, then at Glasgow School of Art for a Masters in Research, with a 25-year gap in between. She has exhibited throughout Scotland since graduating from ECA and has staged solo shows in many venues over the years, including House for an Art Lover in Glasgow, McNaughton’s Bookshop and Dr. Neil’s Garden in Edinburgh, and Kirkcudbright Tollbooth. She is an avid reader in the Art & Design Library – a valuable resource in her teaching role for four decades.

Carolyn will be present to meet exhibition visitors Saturdays and Tuesdays from 2 – 5pm throughout the exhibition.