Birth of Ùraisg at Garyvard
- Artist:
- Type: Painting
- Medium: Construction and found objects on boards
- Production Date: 2016
- Description: Will Maclean is internationally recognised as a foremost exponent of box construction art. Using found objects which he deconstructs and reconstructs in a display of visual thinking that is compelling, he has developed a unique visual and poetic language. There is always strong narrative contained in his work, though immediate interpretations can be elusive. For this work, in part-explanation, the artist has provided an extract from Dwelly's 'The Illustrated Gaelic-English Dictionary' published in 1911:
An 'Ùraisg', as the definition begins, is defined as many things, including 'a water-god', a 'Brownie' or a 'savage ugly-looking fellow'.
'The ùraisg had the qualities of man and spirit curiously commingled. He had a peculiar fondness for solitude at certain seasons of the year. About the end of harvest he became more sociable and hovered about farmyards, stables and cattle-houses. He had a particular fondness for the products of the dairy and was a fearful intruder on milkmaids, who made regular libations of milk or cream to charm him off or to procure his favour. ... He is said to have been a jolly personable being, with a broad blue bonnet, flowing yellow hair and a long walking-staff. Every manor-house had its ùraisg and in the kitchen, close by the fire, was a seat which was left unoccupied for him. ... When irritated through neglect or disrespectful treatment he would not hesitate to become wantonly mischievous. He was notwithstanding, rather gainly and good-natured than formidable. Though, on the whole, a lazy, lounging hobgoblin, he would often bestir himself on behalf of those who understood his humours and suited themselves thereto. When in this mood, he was known to perform many arduous exploits in kitchen, barn and stable with marvellous precision and rapidity. These kind turns were done without bribe, fee or reward, for the offer of any one of these would banish him for ever. Kind treatment was all that he wished for and it never failed to procure his favour. In the northern parts of Scotland the ùraisg's disposition was more mercenary. Brand, in his description of Shetland, observes, ‘that not above forty or fifty years ago almost every family had a brownie, or evil spirit so called, which served them, to which they gave a sacrifice for his service". '
Garyvard is a small settlement on the Isle of Lewis. - Dimensions: Framed: 58cm (H) x 52cm (W). Depth: 11cm. Unframed 29cm (H) x 29cm (W)
- Digital Copy:A digital copy exists.
- Location: Pathfoot Crush Hall Gallery
- Accession Number: 2024.10
- Contact: University of Stirling Art Collection
