Natural inspiration for new exhibition of sculptures

A reknowned sculptor has created an impressive new work which has been inspired by a National Trust for Scotland property.

Inspired by the shelterbelt at the NTS’s Inverewe Garden, Wester Ross, this is the focal point of a new exhibition in its Sawyer Gallery.

The piece, The Shelter of Your Arms, was created by Ann Coomber in response to the striking setting of the gallery, in the heart of Inverewe Garden. The exotic planting which thrives there is only possible due the ‘shelterbelt’ of high trees which protect the exposed location from salt spray and strong, cool winds.

Ann said: ‘Whenever I visit Inverewe Garden, I am always impressed that its success and viability depend on the trees that were planted early in the project to shelter it from the strong winds. I wanted to acknowledge that contribution and decided on an “abstracted” leaf shape for my sculpture.

‘All my sculptures contain a memory and I felt it apt that this particular work should be imbued with the feeling of being held in a loving embrace, feeling safe and secure enough to develop your potential.’

The Shelter of Your Arms is one of a collection of pieces created by Ann which on display throughout the garden and in the Sawyer Gallery within Inverewe House, at Inverewe Garden.

Anne Coomber in the Sawyer Gallery

Operations manager Kevin Frediani said: ‘As a result of the Gulf Stream meeting the Highlands, Inverewe Garden is a nirvana of unusual and wonderful plants and wildlife. Through our arts and exhibition programme we are providing visitors with another dimension to the garden and new way to enjoy Scotland’s national and natural treasures, as our reputation as a centre of arts and culture grows.’

Ann Coomber is an internationally renowned sculptor working with stone and wood. Her sculptures are based on natural, organic forms, each one recording her own journey through time and landscape. Ann has exhibited at Kew Garden for Sculpt at Kew 2017.

Taking organic or biological forms as her starting point, Ann gradually develops, simplifies, abstracts them, all the while drawing on her own direct, emotional instincts. During this creative process, she digs deep into her own stories, memories, experience and emotions, imbuing the sculpture with meaning – recording her own journey through time and space, both imagined and real.

Albeit intensely personal, her sculptures retain some degree of mystery and ambiguity – they remain secrets to be unlocked.

The exhibition is open now and runs until 30 August.

The Sawyer Gallery is located in Inverewe House, located at the centre of the world famous Inverewe Garden – a lush oasis perched on a peninsula at the shores of Loch Ewe amid the rugged landscape of Wester Ross.