Scratchart of 'Gutters at work, Wick'

This picture was created from a photo from The Johnston Collection in Wick. The famous photographer took many images over the years of various local people and scenes in Wick.

I absolutely love the photos of female gutters at work. Just imagining the job they did cutting the salty herring in all weathers, I imagine they had to have a good sense of humour and good work ethics to put up with the discomfort.

I find myself looking more to local history and wanting to develop a narrative in my work. It seems a good way to get value for money as a customer if you find and buy a picture that not only looks good but makes you think aswell.  Having something to go back to when you next look at the picture on your wall, giving you food for thought and an emotional connection, it makes you feel good about your purchase.

It has been mentioned that my style of mark making is reminiscent of the old woodcut and illustrative work of the past. As I have said in past posts, my initial influence comes from Karl Espolin Johnston, the Scandinavian artist who was almost blind. But I am excited to start studying illustrators of the past to feed into my drawing.  I'd also like to look at the Archives in Wick and sketch some of their photos, the new building looks amazing too.