I recall the excitement of my first times at Edinburgh book festival in Charlotte square back in 2009 – and the many famous faces I have encountered on my walk over the wooded walkways, as they left the Press yurt; it was always a surprise and the trying to act nonchalant! I met here Seamus Heaney, Brian Cox, Alex Salomnd, George RR Martin, Liz Lochhead, John Byrne, Val McDermid, Elif Shakfak, Ian Rankin, Alexander McCalll Smith, Allan Cummings,
The challenging light – at lunchtime, with any overhead sunshine causing far too many shadows, or the perfect late light, hitting the townhouses of the square and on Bute house. I
The many fun photographers I have met here – from Wales, Italy, Spain and elsewhere. The banter,
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| George RR Martin arrives |
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| Seamus Heaney & Andrew O'Hagan |
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| Unbound |
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| Edna OBrien |
Art has always been a big part of my life – poetry, songs, images, books. I enjoyed sketching, singing, playing piano, reading and writing in my small notebooks. I was constantly drawing; I went to visit art galleries, took art at school, wondered what makes artists great – the brilliant composer, the inspired painter, or the great poet.
Art is how I imagine and visualise my references.
Music is my main point of wonder, escape and emotional release.
Poetry is how I make sense of the turmoil, confusion and troubles.
And the stories we tell ourselves.
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| Photographers set up Charlotte Sq |
