Islay Beach Time
One of Islay’s treasures is its spectacular coastline. The rugged cliffs, where dramatic waterfalls froth and bubble to the seas below. The colourful pebbles worn smooth by the tidal currents. The natural arches and caves in rock faces and then the vast expanses of sand and dunes where seals lull happily on banks and rocks. Otters, herons, oyster catchers, gulls and wild goats roam the shoreline, as fishing boats, tugboats, ferries and yachts bob about in the seas beyond.
The beautiful coastline is a constant source of inspiration, flowing through my designs in the pottery. From the deep blues and turquoises of the Lucy Sea Breeze range. Port Ban inspired by a refreshing dip in Lochindaal on a spring day, the rocks glittering with the pinks of sea thrift and the reds of the anemones, waiting for the tide to wash over them once again. The wild purples and greens of the seas in the Winter Sound range from the heart of a storm. The Ocean Swirls range capturing the sheer force and energy of white horses riding huge waves across the Sound. My favourite Corryvreckan range where tidal currents meet off the north tip of the neighbouring Isle of Jura. The new Alice’s Killinallan range. A beautiful wild expanse of coastline along the shores of Loch Gruinart, where boggy ground and dunes lead down to golden sands and shallow waters, where oysters are farmed and the seals breed.
Sheena’s Islay Beach Time is the latest range from Persabus Pottery. This new range is a tribute to Sheena and her big birthday, which we celebrated at the weekend. Sheena is a bundle of positive and creative energy, with an infectious smile. She is a fantastic singer, performing across the island over the years, and many times at the Islay Jazz Festival, a keen quilter and sewer, but most of all she is a good friend. The weekend celebrations involved lots of parties, gatherings and fizz, and the all-important birthday beach trip. Sheena always heads to the beach in December with her family to celebrate her birthday. Laden with flasks of hot soup and coffee to warm the heart, as the weather can often be blustery and cold. Barbeques are at the ready, and a picnic basket of goodies. Sheena’s Islay Beach Time is about capturing those special memories onto pottery to bring the island’s beaches home. I hope you get to enjoy some Islay beach time soon.
Until next time…