This September, three Scottish artists hold an exhibition coinciding with the Scottish Geology Festival
On the weekend of September 13th, Partick’s Nicolls Gallery is where you want to be. Textile designer April Hay, jeweller Stefanie Cheong and Science Artist Volta Hybl will be exhibiting their artisan creations and art over the weekend. The exhibition is co-inciding with the Scottish Geology Festival. So how did three creatives find themselves celebrating Scottish geology?
We Heart Rocks!
Stefanie explains. ‘I think it’s safe to say we were all drawn to each other through the love of rocks. April and Vojta met first and collaborated on a special textile print from one of his paintings. April had some bespoke rock jewels commissioned by me and also made a print from one of my Agates. I then commissioned Vojta to paint rocks for a project.’
April Hay, as Stefanie referred to, is a Glasgow-based textile designer. Her brand Agate and Ayre produce pieces for fashion and the home. Jewellery designer Stefanie Cheong works with metals and stones, whilst science artist Votja Hybl captures scientific concepts in his art. It’s clear to see how there works all relate to the geology of our nation.
‘As artists and makers interested in rocks, we look to see what other Scottish organisations are doing to support and promote the geology of Scotland’ says Stefanie. All of the artists have been involved in the Scottish Geology Festival, with Vojta hosted a talk last year. However, this is the first year the trio are hosting an event collaboratively as part of the festival.
The exhibition will see the Agate and Ayre brand on show. April founded her textile company with ‘the dream of creating a luxury collection of textiles inspired by her love of bold, abstract prints and Scottish geology.’ April uses her photographs of stones and minerals to create her striking visual designs on textiles. Committed to slow fashion, April’s handmade pieces are produced to be enjoyed year upon year.
The Beauty of Natural Materials
In syncope with April’s textiles, Stefanie’s jewellery uses both natural and manmade rocks. Stefanie says ‘the rocks have the ability to communicate place, age, composition and how it was made. My work is material focused and research based. Through material investigation I can play and then learn how to transform materials into jewels to communicate my ideas.’
Perfectly complementing the designers, artist Votja has his academic roots firmly in Geology. Studying Geology and Physical Geography at Edinburgh University, Votja aims to make geosciences more accessible to the masses. ‘His illustrations reveal the stories hidden in the rocks and landscapes that surround us,’ explains Stefanie. ‘Vojta’s style takes inspiration from the numerous sketches he did on field courses as well as vintage scientific illustrations.’ Votja hopes his art reconnects people with the Earth and the rocks below us.
It’s fair to say that the exhibition is possibly one of the most unique shows this year. It’s equally clear that the three creatives passion for the natural materials and rocks they use is infectious and will undoubtedly spill over to the exhibitions visitors. One not to miss!
Earth Made
13th September
Nicolls Gallery
656 Dumbarton Road
Glasgow, G11 6RA
10:00 am – 5:00 pm
I: @agateandayre, @stefaniecheong, @rocksonpaper
Scottish Geology Festival runs from 1st September to 6th October 2024 – to see the full programme click HERE
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