A Keiss-based artist has a book-themed solo show at Thurso Art Gallery called ‘War Horse and Other Stories’ fittingly within the town’s library.
Katie Squires had a special section at the Society of Caithness Artists exhibition in Thurso earlier this year and has created another themed show for the Davidson’s Lane gallery.
Bobby McCarthy from High Life Highland helped to set up the exhibition, which was no mean feat as it includes UV lights, numerous props and a cave-like entrance to the show.
“I like to do things that are dramatic and a bit of an experience,” said Katie on the opening night.
“Everything’s inspired by books because I read so much and I tend to do my art while I’m listening to books. Half of the show is dedicated to War Horse and the other half is basically just loads of other books.”
War Horse is a British novel by Michael Morpurgo that came out in 1982 and inspired a theatre production and a Hollywood movie by Steven Spielberg in 2011. Katie has used images of a lonely horse travelling across ‘no man’s land’ and surrounded by the mangled landscape of a World War One battlefield.
“I also had a show at the beginning of the year in Lyth Arts Centre which was quite dramatic and more multisensory and immersive. I had a cinema screen and sound and there were all sorts of things happening there as well. I really enjoy doing this type of work.”
The exhibition space appears to have a defined split with the sombre stark monochrome of war on one side and the colourful prints Katie has designed around some of her favourite books.
“Some of the prints I’ve done are made so that they could be used as alternative book covers. I’ve taken some inspiration from old book covers as well but never had any art training.”
Since moving to the Highlands with her family, in 2019 Katie says she has rekindled her love of and found inspiration from the “beautiful landscapes, wildlife, books, and Scottish myths and legends”. Using mainly lino printing, the young artist says she is constantly developing more and trying out new techniques.
Katie can be followed on her Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/katiesquiresart and her email is: [email protected]
War Horse and Other Stories is free to view and runs until January 11. The art gallery, situated in the town’s library, is open every day except Sunday.
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