Has Damian Moppett Found a New Muse?

Online, November 1, 2010 (Newswire.com) - One of only eight international artists selected to participate this year, Moppett has explored the mythology and folklore inspired by the ancient and rugged Scottish countryside.

Moppett's work while in Scotland has led him to discover the mythical brollachan.

According to the oral story telling traditions of the West Highlands, in Gaelic folklore, the bollachan is a shapeless, malevolent supernatural being.

Moppet's interest in the brollachan springs directly from his earlier examination of the Canadian sasquatch, which led to works such as Sasquatch Symposium in 2005.

"The physical environment and the rural experience of the distillery was a key factor in accepting the residency," says Moppett. "Compared to the youth of Canada, the richness of the history of Scotland and especially highland mythology has added to my work on the west coast and the myth of the sasquatch."

"The landscapes in Scotland are very diverse. It is unlike anything I've seen in Canada," adds Moppett. "It changes every 10 kilometers, going from a barren moon-like terrain one moment to a lush pastoral field the next."

For the first Glenfiddich residents' art exhibition, Damian created three works comprised of drawings, watercolours and photography.

"It takes me a while to process where I am at and how it may influence my work," says Moppett commenting on his experience at the Glenfiddich Distillery. "I would never have explored or discovered the brollachan if it was not for this residency."

The third Glenfiddich residents show included a sculptural interpretation of the brollachan and "combines" of his photography, watercolours and drawings.

The Artist-in-Residence Program (AiR)

Established in 2002 by Peter Gordon, the great great grandson of William Grant, founder of Glenfiddich, the AiR is an award-winning program now in its ninth year. Each year up to eight artists from around the world reside in distillery cottages for three months to be inspired by the surroundings, community and the distillery itself. The Glenfiddich Distillery is located in the town of Dufftown (population 2,000) in the beautiful Scottish Highlands. This year, artists will represent China, Taiwan, South Africa, US and Canada. Fields of interest include art, sculpture, film, photography and music.

The Glenfiddich artist-in-residence program has previously sponsored Canadian artists Arabella Campbell (2009), Dave Dyment (2008), Jonathon Kaiser (2007), Annie Pootoogook (2006) and Myfanwy Macleod (2005).

William Grant & Sons

William Grant & Sons is an independent family-owned distiller founded by William Grant in 1886 and today still controlled by the fifth generation of his family. The Company distils some of the world's leading brands of Scotch whisky, including the world's most awarded single malt Glenfiddich®, the handcrafted range of The Balvenie® single malts and one of the world's best loved blended Scotches, Grant's®, as well as selected other spirits, including Hendrick's® Gin, and Sailor Jerry® Spiced Rum.