Water, Water Everywhere...

but fortunately, plenty of cafes too, so no problem with thirst.  The Kelpies are water spirits, so it makes sense that they are situated at a marina, with a selection of boats and barges

Lots to look at.  We had a really good time, though the coffee was pretty awful...however, we were struck by the attention to detail.  Here's an image of one of the lights in the cafe...ring any bells?

Here Comes The Sun...

for today, at least....so we thought we'd go out.  We plumped for going to see the Kelpies, the amazing sculpture of two water horses at Falkirk.  They are even better up close and personal...

They are fierce, wonderfully observed, in an incredible setting, surrounded by water.  If you've not come across the word kelpie before, you've clearly not been keeping up with your Scottish myths.  Here's a link to tell you about them.  They can shape shift into human form, though I don't think these sculptures quite manage that... maybe just as well. 

A closer look, here, from the same position.  You can get up very close to the sculptures; their texture is remarkable.

I found myself wondering about basing a piece of work on the patterning of these metal blocks, which have been so carefully engineered.  Reverse applique, I thought, and a wholecloth, allover pattern, though it might be an interesting exercise to make a series of blocks in this way.  The attention to detail and realism of these horse heads is truly remarkable.

Note the way the sculptor shows the veins and musculature of that upflung neck...remarkable.  You can almost hear the defiant scream of the kelpie. 

More about the site tomorrow.