![[ laura drever ]](images/splash/1.jpg)
[ orkney ]
The Orkney archipelago consists of 70 islands. They can be found situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea, separated from the north of mainland Scotland by the Pentland Firth.
Its 20,000 population is descended from a rich variety of races and within this number many are gifted by being well-handed and of an artistic nature. Compared to many other small communities it could be said that Orkney produces more artistic creativity per head of capita.
A factor that could explain the creativity of Orcadians is Orkney itself. The unspoilt landscape consists of 800km of coastline, high cliffs, sudden geos and gloups, low rocky shores, beaches dressed with golden sand and sea that is in close proximity everywhere. This paired with the special light makes Orkney unique and an ideal subject for artists to portray1.
Art has become an integral part of the way of life in Orkney. For centuries aspects of history and the elements have been used for inspiration for works; stones and symbols, the land and craft and perhaps the most dominant sea and light.
Map of Orkney (multimap.com)
1 Moberg, G., Kjorsvik Schel. The Islands of Orkney