'Weeds, wild oats & other stories' brings together two artists who dedicate most of their creative practice and research to the natural world. On this occasion they have shared a particular interest in the role and perception of plants - especially those which seem undervalued, or perhaps disregarded.  Looking into their cultural significance, representation in art and literature, local traditions, past and present meanings, medicinal and culinary uses, the artists hope to bring light into the curious characters of the selected botanicals through simple forms of expression, like pen and ink, or words on paper.

This joint literary and visual reflection on nature, expressed through a collection of botanical drawings, creative research, and curated writing, aims to build a platform for thought and knowledge exchange. An invitation is offered to the viewer to look at the living species around us, common and 'weed' alike, with a fresh perspective.

Christina Riley is an artist and writer based on Scotland's west coast. Longlisted for Canongate's inaugural Nan Shepherd Prize for underrepresented voices in nature writing, she has recently been published by Gutter, Extra Teeth, Caught by the River and Little Toller's The Clearing and her photobook The Beach Today was published by Guillemot Press. In 2019 she started The Nature Library, bringing books about the natural world to public places across Scotland and in 2024 opened a permanent premises for the library in Irvine, Ayrshire. Through her carefully selected collection of books, she opens the whole world of nature writing and allows the viewer to explore it at their own leisure.
 

Magdalena Choluj is a botanical artist and printmaker, currently based in Ullapool. Having lived on Lewis almost a decade ago, she has a strong connection with the island landscape, and sees it as a 'home, away from home'. Magdalena works under the name of 'Inkloof' and creates pencil & ink botanical drawings, with plenty of experimentation around photography and various printmaking techniques, including monotype, linocut, and cyanotype. Research and discussion on the historical, medicinal and cultural background of the living species play a crucial role in her practice.

Magdalena is a member of the Society of Scottish Artists and Association Botanical Artists. Her botanical drawings and prints have been shown at the Pier Arts Centre, Northlight Gallery (Stromness, Orkney Islands), and most recently at the Browns Gallery- contemporary Scottish Art Gallery based in Inverness.