Charlene Scott’s wish for her work is that it “can act as a little breathing space for whoever comes upon it”. Away from the clamour of Edinburgh’s city centre, Scott’s minimalist works sit in a sanctuary of stillness and a capricious first Spring light, in the Ingelby gallery. The folds and gentle botanical palettes of Scott’s work are a meditation in restraint, time and skill, one where you get lost in the meticulous geometric patterns.  The slowness of the artistry and precision of these works are a testament to Scott’s aim of providing space for her viewer.

In her sculptural paper works, such as diamond grid 2025-26, you can read landscapes- valleys and plains, journeys in the to-ing and fro-ing of the innate movement folded into the surface and woven into the patterns. Scott refers to the microscopic details in of her surroundings- “a picket fence, a tiled floor” and grand vistas of Scotland which inform her practice yet there are no pretensions in lofty conceptual titles.  fold 16 2024 describes the process of making which seems central to the work. Scott explains that ” These slow material-based processes allow my mind to wander, a kind of emptying out that creates space for quietude and wonder much like my experience of nature” 

The substance and the sentiment of nature’s repeating patterns are further evoked as we travel the shadow and light of the fragment series. Created through dye baths, the saturated colours of nature highlight the linear forms and a process of hand embossing which Scott uses to “build in time”.

The structure of the works fade to gently torn edges marrying the dichotomy and beauty of nature- scientifically structured whilst wildly organic.  Perhaps these fraying edges are a further allusion to the passing of time in which these delicate works will eventual cease to exist.

Referencing Agnes Dean and Roger Ackilng the influences of minimalism, nature and time are also clear in the labour-intensive gathering of flowers from her garden to create pigments and crayons for her work. Add to this Scott’s experience as a holistic therapist and it is evident where the sense of calm and contemplation, embodied in these works, emanates from.  Perfectly situated in a former place of worship, Scott’s work provides peace and structure- the salve perhaps we all need in times of uncertainty.