|
The Limited Edition lithographs ‘Pipes’, and ‘Pipes, Drum, and Ghillies’ are reproductions of oil paintings by Judy Minor. These have been printed on quality acid-free stock, using a state-of-the-art, traditional style five or six-colour Heidelberg press. The artist has personally approved each stage of the printing process. Each of the 700 prints (of each image) is inspected, then hand-numbered and signed by the artist. There are also 70 signed and numbered artist’s proofs of each image. Printing plates are subsequently destroyed. |
|
Unsure about the terminology? There is a small glossary at the bottom of the ‘ordering information page’, or just email Judy and ask. |
|
The artist (also a piper) says, “You might prefer to make up your own story about these paintings—to me, ‘Pipes’ tells about a piper at a ceilidh who is taking a well-deserved break, and has set the pipes down in a safe spot (maybe for a wee bit of socialization!).”
“‘Pipes, Drum,& Ghillies’ reminds me of the atmosphere, sights, and sounds of long summer days at the Highland Games. Or perhaps the impromptu ceilidhs following ‘gigs’—full of kitchen-piping and other spontaneities.”
“In a larger way, though, these images can be seen as tribute to the survival of the Celts. In spite of a harsh environment, wars, famine, a near genocide, and attempts to destroy the culture (at one time, possession of a tartan or pipes drew the penalty of death), they nevertheless kept their passion for beauty, art, learning, music, and family. Even with a hard uprooting, and a scattering to all corners of the earth, the Scots not only survived, but hybridized and bloomed where they were planted.”
“I know of no other instrument more fit to express this history—the sorrows of the laments, the excellence of the classical (ceol mor piobaireachd) compositions, the joy and exuberance of reels and jigs which beg to be danced to. An exacting art, pipes are considered to be the most difficult woodwind (trust the Scots not to embrace anything easy) and use the ancient Celtic scale; the tunes, many of which are centuries old, were reverently passed down tutor to student. Pipes talk; I often feel as though the music makes me search for some long-forgotten words and memories (perhaps not quite of this lifetime!).”
“Scottish drumming and dancing are also considered ‘gold standards’ within their milieux. Both very highly developed disciplines with exacting rudiments, they bring the best of tradition to us.
“Thus I used the more painstaking ‘Old Masters’ method of oil painting, layer by translucent layer; this provides a vibrancy and depth to the image—just as our cultures do us.” |
|
Pipes, Drum, & Ghillies (go to detail view) |
|
Pipes |
|
Both original paintings are oil on board; each is 16” x 24” approx. Enquiries about the originals may be sent here. |
|
(There is a story behind these works that can be found below.) |
|
All images and information copyright Judy Minor. |
|
JUDY MINOR |
|
PAINTING THE LIGHT |
|
Pipes Pipes, Drum & Ghillies |
