We’re delighted to welcome Isobel MacRae to Six Foot Gallery for an exhibition of painting, sculptural work, and jewellery. Isobel is a Scottish artist and maker, originally from the Highlands and now based in Glasgow. She studied Sculpture at Glasgow School of Art, and her work is deeply influenced by Hebridean landscapes and seascapes. In There, Then, Here, Now, Isobel’s first solo exhibition, she explores colour, form and surface, through a mixed media approach. 

Thanks for being with us Isobel! Tell us how your artistic journey started.
My creative journey began as a child writing poetry, songwriting, and singing. Then, in high school, I developed an interest in visual art, for its ability to express that which cannot be expressed in words.

Can you walk us through your creative process?
Following sketchbook explorations, I work fairly intuitively on canvas or paper. Firstly mark making and creating forms, followed by layering colour. I often have to leave a piece of work for some time before going back to it with ‘fresh eyes’ and assessing what needs to be added or amended. In this collection of work as you will see, I have been drawn to blues, greys, teal, and accents of colour from yellows and purple.

How would you say your art has developed since the start of your career?
On seeing my sculptural drawings, my tutor at college in Edinburgh suggested I apply to art school to study sculpture. I had my heart set on Glasgow School of Art and went there to undertake their degree course in Sculpture and Environmental Art. My practice during this time focused on installations with sculptural elements. Now it feels like my practice has gone full circle, bringing sculptural drawing into my paintings. On leaving art school, I worked in the arts team at Sense Scotland for 16 years. The artwork created by the people we supported was truly inspirational and taught me to ‘unlearn’ some of what I had learned in Art School and to become more playful and instinctive in my approach.

What emotions or reactions do you hope viewers experience when they see your artwork?
In terms of reaction from viewers, I hope my work evokes an emotional response, positive or negative. I merely hope the work creates some kind of response and transference of energy.

Which artists inspire you? Are there non-artistic influences such as literature or music that impact your work?
I am inspired by the contemporary art of the painter David Mankin and painter and printmaker Dame Barbara Rae (RSA). Their expressive use of colour and mark making brings me joy. I am also inspired by expressive and improvised forms of jazz music.

What advice would you give to artists who are just starting out?
As this is my first solo show, I feel like I’m just starting out! However, the one piece of advice I’d give to any artist is to stay true to yourself and not to be influenced by trends or what others think of your work. Remain committed and genuine in practice, regardless of others’ opinions. Also, it is never too late to start your creative journey.

Then, There, Here, Now runs at Six Foot Gallery until 6th February 2026. Connect with Isobel on Instagram.