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, and many more!
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 |
