Damian Callan

Rarely am I offered a coffee when reviewing a show but Adrian Laird Craig, owner of Inverarity One to One recognised a student in need, and was astute enough to realise that some form of refreshment couldn’t harm his chances of a good review.

In the immortal words of that lady off of the Marks & Spencer’s advert, Inverarity One to One is not just a gallery. Primarily, Craig is a purveyor of fine wines and cigars but above his shop, in a wonderfully-lit loft space he also has a commercial gallery in which he showcases the works of contemporary artists. Craig is clearly deeply enthusiastic about the Scottish contemporary art scene and is highly animated as he talks me through his favourite artists and the upcoming exhibitions at his gallery.

Currently on display are the works of Damian Callan who has both studied and taught at Edinburgh College of Art. His roughly-painted oils demonstrate beautiful lighting effects: in 'Upwards Kite', for example, he captures perfectly the purity and deep colours of light reflecting off the surface of water. Callan is particularly interested in the moving figure and often uses his four children as models. His paintings are images of childhood adventure; while viewing 'Waterworld' one cannot help but be transported back to childhood days of playing on the beach and splashing around in the sea.

Callan’s works are straight out of a Famous Five book. He brilliantly captures the elusive moments of carefree child's play, and viewing his paintings brings a ray light into Edinburgh's otherwise dull and grey March days.