I call the pieces of writing found here Essays. The dictionary description of an essay is an attempt at something and a short non-fiction prose piece. There is no general theme or a coherence of subject matter in these pieces of writing, not even consistency of voice. I mumble and have dis-clarity of thought. In my head thoughts, disjuncture, sub-clauses, tangents and mis-comprehensions compete and clamour for attention and make writing strangely painful. Dyslexia and muddled train of thought make it hard for me to write. I worry about my written word and the mistakes I can make, but sometimes this is the best way to express an idea, think something through or mark the completion of a project. Writing can also bring me great satisfaction and wrestling with words can ultimately bring resolution to an idea.
Common Good
Thu 25th Jun 2026
The Why:
The idea that became Common Good Residencies came out of a conversation. Kate Genever and I were musing on what it took to sustain an artistic and curatorial practice while living rurally, or in small urban areas, away from a recognised arts network. Geographical dispersal makes maintaining a sense of artistic community difficult, also making the practical benefits of skill sharing, collaboration and mutual support harder to manage. Working as a practicing artist in a rural environment can feel very isolated.
Canongate Wall, Edinburgh
Thu 19th Jun 2025
On June 11th 2025, to mark 25 years of devolution and the completion of the Scottish Parliament building, three new quotes were added to the Canongate Wall.