Gozo-based artist Jackie Roberts has just returned fromScotlandafter the successful opening of her second solo exhibition ‘The Nature of Metal’.  The exhibition runs until 29 April at the award-winning Dawyck Botanic Gardenin the Scottish Borders.  Dawyck is a historic arboretum and specialist garden of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. The exhibition of over 30 works in metal reflects elements of the character and diversity of the botanic garden alongside the artists influences and inspiration from Gozo, Scotland, Africa and New Zealand.  The exhibition will then tour to Logan Botanic Garden, near Stranraer in the south west of Scotland from 4 May-1 July.

Originally from the UK Jackie creates art in metal from a small workshop in Ghasri.  Before moving to Gozo in 2001 Jackie learned artistic metalwork with the ‘Arcangels’ group at Edinburgh’s Telford College, pursuing her passion for metal after a long professional career. Since Jackie’s first solo exhibition, ‘Go Fish’, at the art..e Gallery,Victoria  in 2007 she has collaborated in six successful joint exhibitions; including ‘Masks and Mirrors’ at the Citadella Centre for Culture and the Arts in 2009, and contributed work to numerous collective exhibitions in the Maltese islands and inScotland.  Last year Jackie was awarded a prize by the Malta Crafts Council for her innovation and creativity.

In addition to Jackie’s work the exhibition showcases work by two other Gozo designer/makers with whom she often collaborates:  textile designer Pat Holtom and jeweller Rachel Robinson.

The Nature of Metal - Dawyck Botanic Garden

During the opening weekend over 100 visitors and invited guests viewed the exhibition, talked with the artist and sampled ‘a taste of Gozo’ in the form of speciality foods and liqueur generously supplied by Gozo Cottage.  Over the next few months visitors to the exhibition will also be able to pick up promotional brochures about Gozo and view the short film: ‘Th island of Gozo- a jewel in the Mediterranean’.

Jackie Roberts says about the exhibition:

“I was so pleased to be invited to exhibit at Dawyck and Logan.  This marks a ‘return to my roots‘ because I spent eighteen years in Scotland and return frequently even though Gozo is now my home.  In was the first Press Officer at the Edinburgh Botanics from1990-95 and also had responsibility for the PR and marketing for its three Specialist Gardens.  I find the natural world inspirational and have maintained a fascination for plants and a commitment to environmental concerns. This is reflected in my work for this exhibition.  The exhibition was so well received in Scotland and offered a marvelous opportunity to promote Gozo to potential visitors from overseas.  I am grateful for the support of my sponsors the Ministry for Gozo, Department of Tourism and Economic Development; Malta Tourism Authority; Gozo Cottage and Gozo Express.”

Dr. Alan Bennell, Head of Visitor Communications for the Royal Botanic Gardenaddressed guests at the Private View and said:

“I have no doubt this is an exhibition which will inspire visitors. It is a perfect display for Dawyck, created by an artist with a deep appreciation for nature combined with knowledge of the artistic possibilities of metal. It is also wonderfully rewarding to work again with a respected former colleague who has created an exciting new niche for herself on this beautiful Mediterranean island”.

Readers can view more images from the exhibition on Jackie Roberts Facebook profile or contact her on e.mail: robertsj@maltanet.net