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Fluid Boundaries, 122 x 76cm, £1,980

VICTORIA WYLIE

Victoria Wylie studied textile design at Duncan of Jordanstone in Dundee, where she also did a master’s in fine art. Best known for her abstract landscape paintings, she has exhibited throughout the UK and has work in private collections across the world.

y paintings are a celebration of

Mthe natural world, exploring the wilderness of Scotland’s l a n d a n d s e a , a n d f i n d i n g solitary moments surrounded by nature.

I find great joy in walking, cycling and just sitting and listening – allowing myself to be immersed in the natural world and taking time to stop and breathe and be.

My textile background is apparent in my work. My process of painting remains true to how I used to design and make woven tapestries. I like to capture energy through playful mark-making and enjoy the serendipity that occurs as a result.

This painting, Fluid Boundaries, is a reflection from a walk in Angus, where I live. Captured in one vista is the dramatic skyline of the Cairngorms extending to the coastline of Angus through to Fife. I explore places with knowledge of the geography of the landscape, a geekish interest in cloud formation, and a desire to breathe in the intoxicating wilderness air.

My making process involves observing my surrounding environment. I seek out unexpected pops of colour, shapes and patterns in landforms, ancient rock formations, plants and stones. The ever-changing light, the character of which is unique to certain parts of Scotland, is a constant source of inspiration.

Horizon lines fascinate me. This comes from grow ing up close to the North Yorkshire Moors – the vast stretches of openness inform my work in many ways. My work is bold, striking and atmospheric. The paintings respond to the changing elements and the rhythm of the landscape as I explore the visual tensions that arise when sky meets sea meets land.

My paintings are memories of these moments, and while each artwork is a reflection from a particular place, they encompass numerous experiences, w ith each painting lending a fragment of itself to the next.

My connection with, and respect for, the natural world is central to every mark I make. This connection is something I hope to share with others through my paintings.

victoriawylie.co.uk, @VictoriaWylieHale