Last night we opened Tales from the Shoreline of Infinity, an art exhibition celebrating ten issues of Shoreline of Infinity, Scotland's science fiction magazine. A large body of invited guests arrived for an evening of wonders and amazement in the wonderful Dumfries venue of the Yellow Door gallery at 16 Queen Street.
The entertainments included a rare showing of my animated movie Sunjammer (2008) featuring Noel Chidwick's song of the same name as performed by prog band Arbelos (now Painted Ocean). This was presented in the pend accompanied by a generous buffet created by local chef James Pickering.
The repast was washed down with a range of beverages gathered from around the galaxy. These came in a range of strengths to suit a variety of carbon-based life forms.
Local storyteller John Wheeler regaled the gathering with an excerpt from the Apple Bee by K E Macphee which features in Shoreline of Infinity issue 10, illustrated by my colleague Stephen Pickering. Stephen presented John with a print of the illustration by way of thanking him for helping launch our exhibition.
The night's events were supported by a traditional Shoreline of Infinity Group raffle. Three extensive goody bags resplendent with rockets and rayguns, books, movies and artwork, were offered at just 50p per ticket. The audience rose to the occasion, buying 72 of the little blue tickets of joy. The winners left with their booty an additional bonus on a wonderful night of entertainment.
The culmination of the night arrived when interstellar journalist Tris Orion made a hazardous journey into deep space to interview British Science Fiction Association nominate cover artist Stephen Pickering in his alien retreat. In an insightful interview, Tris unpicked the complex chain of events thaat brought Steve to his current position as a senior illuistrator and founding member of the Shoreline of Infinty Group.
The exhibition continues until 17th February with open workshops on illustration on each of the three Saturdays hosted by Steve or myself. See you there.
