A Polish artist Aska Marzec will bring her Hebridean inspired artwork to Harris this September.

After a few visits to the islands, Aska, who is based in Tobermory on the Isle of Mull, is excited to bring her artwork to Harris later this year, along with running some creative workshops for local residents throughout Lewis and Harris.

On her first visit, Aska made it a cycling holiday. She took her time travelling through the “vast landscapes”, which she says was one of her biggest inspirations in her artwork. 

In her time exploring the island, Aska said she felt there was “so much inspiration around every corner”. 

She has since met a few islands based creatives and worked to produce visual content such as a video for her website Scottish Island Art, filmed by local photographer and videographer Eleanor Mackay.

Her new body of work is called SOULSCAPES and represents that sense of community and nature that draws her to the island.

She said: “It is not much about recreating a precise view but about sharing a sense of place and the feelings it evokes.”

Through this, she mentioned how her faith plays a part in her work as well. She referred to her church in Tobermory and her ongoing voluntary work to raise funds for churches across the island – which she continues to raise money for through selling her artwork. 

In what she said was her first ever interview, she told WLS how excited she was to be scheduled to spend more time exploring the island and hosting residents in her resin painting workshops – held at Talla na Mara and Blue Pig Studio – which are available to book here.

Aska is used to island life since moving to the Isle of Mull nearly two decades ago, but she emphasised that there’s something about the Outer Hebrides that’s grabbed her interest and influenced her art in a different way.

Her life at home doesn’t differ too much from her usual artists schedule, as when she’s not working, her voluntary time is still spent encouraging locals to take time to get creative. 

To raise money for a cause close to her heart, Island Hearts for Art, Aska will be selling prints of her work at her exhibition. The initiative is about bringing creative art activities to churches across Mull.

Exhibiting her work, Aska hopes residents feels that “deep connection” she has with the islands.

She gave up her position as a home carer in spring last year. Now, She said: “It’s such a gift and privilege that I can now do this.”

Aska’s exhibition will be showcased in Talla na Mara from 1 to 30 September, along with prints for sale and her workshops at the site of the exhibition and Blue Pig Studios. 

To be the first to see Aska's new artwork online, she has added a subscription option which can be found on her website here askamarzec.com.  Anyone interested in the workshops in September can also book their space on the website as well.