I’m Morvern, an illustrator based in the Scottish Borders.

I spend my time creating work that explores themes around Scottish heritage, history and identity, predominantly on the lives of fisherfolk and crofters in Scotland, typically from the 19th and early 20th century. I’m intrigued by their clothing, their skills and practices and that general way of life that has ceased to exist. Many of my ancestors shared these occupations so I guess I’m driven to create this work as a way of connecting to my own roots and family’s past. I also have an avid interest in Gaelic culture, music and traditions, which is something I hope to explore more of in the future. I’ve recently started learning Gaelic to aid my research in this!

I’m also greatly inspired by my love for the coast and being by the ocean, which has been an ongoing interest since childhood. For the past 20 years, my family have holidayed in Ardnamurchan in the West Coast of Scotland and I’ve watched the landscape change and the community grow over time. It is one of these places that no matter how often we visit, I will never tire of it. I can’t go to a beach without collecting little treasures and fragments from the shoreline, sketching or daydreaming of what my life would be like if I could be there everyday. After concerns with my health began, that urge to be by the sea grows more and more everyday.

I’m trying to reach for traditional materials more often nowadays, usually favouring watercolour or ink. After years of trying to figure out digital art, I have missed creating physical work and experimenting with different mediums and textures.

If you have any questions about my work, feel free to message me on Instagram or follow the form down below :)