Tim Pomeroy – Contemporary Sacred Show – Fine Art Society, Edinburgh

Tim Pomeroy is not only an outstanding artist, musician and poet but also a very personable man. He is charming and both well spoken and well read, and so it was on a cold bright day in Edinburgh that I found myself at the Fine arts society for Tim’s first solo exhibition in years. Tim, who lives in and works as a sculptor from his studio in Lamlash is exhibiting until the 23rd of December with beautiful pieces including a sculpture made from re claimed bark found in an Arran bog and another carved out of marble and polished with diamond paper of three different grades until it now shines to a highly reflective finish. He also uses wood and copper to produce earthy and yet ethereal pieces.

On Saturday the 21st I was privileged to not only observe these works first hand but also to hear Tim talk about his art and life as an artist. Although Tim was obviously nervous he held us captivated as he talked of his Presbyterian upbringing which has influenced his way of working, for example the attention to detail given to a piece and often the painstakingly slow process taken to create such works. Time which would shake the patience of most of us and which Tim himself needs a break from sometimes, to rest the eyes from close up work and take up pen to create poetry or guitar to voice song as way of release. Making art can be hard graft!

Tim spoke of his former belief in God and the subsequent lack of faith formed along life’s path. He took a candid look at spirituality through art and faith quoting Colm Toibin whom writing about TS Elliot’s Little Gidding and Larkin’s Church Going, said that “I may not believe in (the power of) fairy rings, but if I found one in my garden I would not destroy it”.

Tim’s inquisitive artist’s mind and eye keep him connected to the earth and its line between past and present, the constant search for an arrow head amongst the heather, and indeed his work reflects the prehistoric in shape and content drawing us to each piece as a moth to a flame. It was a pleasure to hear and see Tim’s obvious passion and great skill for his work and I would urge all to go and experience it first hand.

Tim Pomeroy’s show is on at the Fine Arts Society, Dundas Street, Edinburgh until the 23rd of December