12 Years (plus 1!) | A Solo Exhibition by Campbell Sandilands

Friday 26 September 2025 to Sunday 18 January 2026 

"The title of the show alludes to a traditional apprenticeship in Japan, where you may study for up to 12 years to master your craft.  However, if you were to walk away from this for a further 12 years, when you embrace it once more, it transforms from a learned technique to one imbued into your very being.  This time reflects my own experience.  Although I have participated in many group exhibitions during a 12 year timeframe, my last solo show in Scotland was at the Scottish Gallery in 2012 (12 years ago, +1).

Some people believe that an artist's role within society is to respond to the times we live in.  This has never been a motivating factor for me: I work best in an angst-free situation, and choose to work within nature from my studio base in Perthshire.  Drawing strength and resolve from the natural world in the overwhelming, troubled times in which we currently live, I seek solace amongst the trees and wildlife, with the belief that as an artist, I can make a modest contribution to the beauty of this wonderful world through my creative endeavours.

My artwork has long been a reflection of my spiritual journey through life, with nature/wilderness as my temple, my church.  The way I do my work is very meditative, an approach that has always been with me when picking up a brush or pencil to make a mark on paper or canvas, but this was reinforced during my 4 year study of brush calligraphy during my time in Kyoto.  I continue on that journey, whether paddling in the shallows of a calm sea, or stumbling along a rocky, mountain path, making marks along the way."

Campbell Sandilands (Perthshire, August 2025) 

Image: Elixir of Life - 41(h) x 33cms,  Mixed media on linen, 2025
 

ASSOCIATED EVENT

Artist Talk - Campbell Sandilands
Date:  Wednesday 5 November,  6:30 - 7:30pm.
Location:  Gallery
Free, booking essential

Join Campbell Sandilands for a walk-around the current exhibition, where he will share his experiences from his time living in Kyoto, his life as an artist, and the techniques and approaches that he uses in his work.

Sandilands teaches regularly at Dundee Contemporary Arts (DCA), in brush calligraphy and Japanese woodblock printing and continues his own art practice at his studio in Perthshire.

To book please email your name, contact email, phone number and number of guests to: burgh.halls@westlothian.gov.uk (opens new window)

Virtual tour of the exhibition - Coming October 2025