Cath Keay – Roaring Out Confidences
Open Studio : Tuesday 23rd August 2005,  6-8pm

“Roaring out confidences” is the description of the conversations between Scots used by the Victorian traveller Isabella Bird, and a phrase that has provided the inspiration for sculptor Cath Keay, who is currently Artist in Residence at An Tobar on the Isle of Mull. Cath’s work is process-based in response to elements in her surroundings. She hijacks unconventional materials to produce the work then introduces a dynamic, which will alter, erode or consume the piece determining its final form. The final result is unforeseeable and slightly out of control. Her work has been exhibited throughout the UK and in Europe and is held in both public and private collections.

The An Tobar residency marks the centenary of the Tobermory Town Clock and the extraordinary life of the adventurer and writer Isabella Bird whose sister Henrietta was resident in Tobermory from the late 1860s. The letters sent by Isabella to her sister formed the basis for a series of travel books.

The focus for Cath Keay during the residency has been Isabella Bird’s poetic but forthright text. Phrases removed from their original context would change their meaning. During the month-long residency, Cath has collaborated with residents, artists and professionals on Mull to realise the project and her preliminary work can be viewed at her Open Studio on Tuesday 23rd August at An Tobar from 6pm-8pm. The final body of work will be exhibited in Gallery I, An Tobar and at various unconventional sites throughout the island in 2006.

For more information contact Julie Paton on 01688 302211 or e-mail: marketing@antobar.co.uk