Harris Tweed

Just stopped for a breather in a report-writing marathon that is slowly sending me bog-eyed sat at a computer. Rapidly running out of days now, but just as well the weather is so iffy. Just about to go for an evening constitutional with MrsB but thought I would save you another urban blip.

Here is a little work of mine I call Harris Tweed as it was made a few years back in the Western Isles from salvaged jetsam, plus a handful of bought brass screws and hooks. I must say, I do love a good beachcomb, and Harris in particular is one of the best places I have ever been for that - though Newborough on Anglesey has its moments.

I have always wanted to open a small gallery specialising in art from recycled or salvaged material. No idea why, I just love it. All I have so far along that road though, is the domain name beachcomb.co.uk. Saving up for the shop and the artworks to go with it. Don't hold your breath!

This piece is not high art I know, and probably not something I would show my professional artist friends even, but the therapeutic process of scavenging, weaving and knotting it; as well as the appreciation after of it's well-worn fabric and faded hues pleases me.

I have the latest and much bigger version now underway in Beaumaris. The frame was found dumped in a skip, as shown in To My Lou #2 although the square fishing net that acts as the guide lattice was bought via a commercial mail order fishing net supplier (amazingly, their online system allowed me to purchase just 1 square metre, and it turned up all trim, and bound with a neat rope border).

Only problem now is I am way short of old gathered fishing ropes and lines to fill the weave.