Bunnahabhain
It has been bitterly cold, but with the Paps of Jura covered in their snow coats, and huge blue skies with billowing clouds dancing across them, in between the hailstorms, it has been spectacularly beautiful.
A walk out across the headland at Bunnahabhain. Deer darting across our path, and eagles swooping overhead, with the deep turquoises of the sea, the golds and yellows of the landscape, there is so much inspiration. Two happy dogs bounding alongside with huge grins on their faces and the cobwebs get well and truly blown away and my creative mind is buzzing with ideas.
Back in the pottery studio, with an explosion of inspiration from all that this season brings, new designs flow freely from the tip of a brush. It is so satisfying sitting in front of the wood burning stove, matching the colours from the landscape with paints from the workshop table. With baskets of sponges and a variety of brushes to hand the textures of the skies and stormy seas can be transformed onto the bisque before glazing and firing.
With spring around the corner, roses and thistles are appearing on jugs, mugs and bowls.
We have campers on the farm too. Artists from Switzerland, feeding their creative minds with the colours and landscape of Islay’s shores. They have been enjoying rambles across the island, making connections with local creatives, and growing their work, as they travel about during their month-long holiday.
The Happy Farmer is kept busy with feeding rounds. The sheep are queuing at the gate each morning eagerly awaiting breakfast. The cottages have been getting their annual make over as painting and decorating is completed once again, and the Happy Farmer has been busy upgrading, refreshing and renewing, so they have all the care and attention needed to welcome our guests once again.
Until next time…