Big Man Walking will find himself in Dumfries on Saturday 29 May, and he’ll be greeted not only by crowds of people, but also by a willowy 6 metre tall maiden…
The romantically dubbed Lady Devorgilla has been created out of willow by artist Susan McKay, with the help of the Cultural and Heritage Volunteers. This North West Resource Centre community project has been running workshops twice a week, soaking bundles of willow, wielding secateurs and gaffa tape, gluing paper over the frame and decorating it.
The Lady Devorgilla will wait by the fountain in the High Street to greet The Big Man when he returns to the fountain to rest in the mid afternoon (about 3.30pm). Members of the Scribblers writers group, who meet at North West Resource Centre, have helped the Lady Devorgilla to write a love poem to The Big Man, which she’ll read aloud to him on the day.
Artist Susan McKay, who was born and bred in Dumfries, said “I thought it was a wonderful idea, to make him a lady. I was inspired by Botticelli’s Venus – you know, rising from the waves, very feminine, serene and archetypal. Then I found out that the name Devorgilla means a pledge or promise. She’s a kind of metaphor for Dumfries and Galloway, unspoilt beauty”.
Susan, who trained in Edinburgh and Dundee before returning to live and work in Dumfries, is primarily a ceramicist and stained glass artist, who says she thinks in 3D. She works from her studio in the town, she has exhibited in Spring Fling, and she also works extensively as a teacher and workshop leader. Susan’s work is well known to many in Dumfries, as she was one of the mainstays of Dumfries & Galloway Arts Association’s lantern workshops before Burns Light.
Susan said, “I can’t wait for the 29th! It’s such an exciting idea, a great blue giant out of the mists of time returning to your home town. I’m very proud to be working with the community to make him a girlfriend!”
Big Man Walking is part of Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival, which takes place this year from 21 – 30 May. Big Man will be starting his walk from the Fountain in the High Street at 1pm.
This event is being organised by Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival working in partnership with Dumfries and Galloway Arts Association. Funding comes from EventScotland, Awards For All and Dumfries and Galloway Council to support the event costs and marketing which is focussed on bringing visitors into the region.
