apr 2019 | paper cuts – psaligraphy
edinburgh days
My first cut-out using white paper, overlain on my first experimentation with black ink. This piece is reminiscent, sentimental, and reflective of one of the most significant places of my life thus far. Studying university in Edinburgh was a phenomenal experience and escape, and leaving the city and the memories encapsulated within that space was certainly a bittersweet dark chocolate moment.
For this piece, I attached memories and people I hold dear to their tangible and respective architectures. Establishments depicted include:
The Jazz Bar on Chambers Street – I would come here after work nearly everyday in August 2016 during the Edinburgh Fringe Festival to relax with big bands, trios, and quartets well into the early hours.
Black Medicine Coffee Co. on Nicolson Street – Easily my favourite place to be on a rainy day, for a cram study session, with friends on a lunch break, for people-watching, writing, and sketching. I have also accidentally, but also by design, become known here among the baristas as Emily…
The Royal Mile – Whenever I felt an urge to leave the obligations of being a student and was in need of some clarity, I’d walk along the Mile and up to Edinburgh Castle. On a cloudless night and with the city sprawled below, being up there was a heady relief.
Arthur’s Seat – Another high place I liked to climb up to catch the sunset and admire the city.
Royal Surgeon’s Hall on Nicolson Street – Body bits in jars! All for science, of course.
The Institute of Geography on Drummond Street – Ah, this is truly where I lived, learned, and deflated alongside my fearless friends. I spent more time here in my third and fourth years of university and envisioning this building is enough to transport me back to the some of the best days of uni life.
Old College on Nicolson Street – Edinburgh University’s iconic structure, home to the Law School and the Playfair Library. It’s simply a stunning courtyard complex.
Edinburgh Days is framed in 10in x 13in.
