This year we were able once again to work quite closely with the wonderful people at DigIt! to promote our archaeological endeavours and the wider landscape of archaeology in Shetland. As a bonus, we were chosen as one of three groups to have a unique piece of art commissioned - in our case the site we were live tweeting on the day, an in-depth recording of multi-period Sotersta (see here and here for information on the site). Selected to do so was artist Suzie Mackenzie. Here was our initial reaction to her creation:
The artwork is reminiscent of a Robert Frost poem in that it beautifully captures the essence not just of the day but of the endeavour itself. The colour palette, the gannets, the edge of a seascape rapidly eroding with climate change are wonderfully rendered in a piece that is easily accessible.
The finished piece, as you can see, is quite stunning. Every element is skilfully considered and rendered in such a way as to bring sense and make whole each part of the complicated site we explored.
Honoured and a bit humbled, we are exceptionally grateful to have such an admirable example of art seamlessly intersecting with archaeology.
Suzie Mackenzie’s work has been exhibited nationally and internationally and can be seen in exhibitions, galleries and at print fairs across Scotland and the north of England. Her work is held in private collections in UK, Europe, North America and Australasia.
She is a member of the Society of Scottish Artists and is currently studying for a Master's degree in Contemporary Art and Archaeology at the University of the Highlands and Islands.