Oil industry art show under way

In pictures: Oil and gas art

An art exhibition documenting life in the North Sea oil and gas industry is under way in Orkney.

Sutherland-based artist Sue Jane Taylor is showing her "Oilwork North Sea Diaries" exhibition at the Pier Arts Centre in Stromness.

It features paintings, drawings and etchings, a visual record of the impact the North Sea oil industry has had on communities over 20 years.

It runs from Monday until 5 April at the award-winning arts centre.

The artist is no stranger to Orkney thanks to family holidays and her time as a student.

'Evocative study'

She said: "I loved visiting Orkney as a youngster and the natural beauty of the islands was an inspiration to me during my time as an art student.

"Drawing at Flotta oil terminal brought another dimension, a contemporary industry located in a wild but delicately balanced and fragile natural environment."

The event is being supported by Talisman Energy (UK), a long-standing partner of the artist's efforts.

John Forrest, Talisman's general manager for the Flotta catchment area, said: "I very much hope that the people of Orkney will take the time to view Sue's work, which is an evocative study of our industry and its people."

The Pier Arts Centre - which re-opened last summer after a £4.5m upgrade - won the UK's largest architecture prize last November, the £25,000 Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) Andrew Doolan Award.