"In nature light makes colour,
in painting colour makes light"
Hans Hoffman

The MCofS is regarded as a Governing body for the sport of mountaineering, climbing and walking by sportscotland, but there is more to the sport than pure physical activity – it is often difficult to distinguish the 'sporting' aspect from the 'artistic'. Rock climbing in particular has elements of pure sport found in such activities as gymnastics, but the movement across rock is also very artistic with elements of dance and creativity that is not found in other 'sports'.

The mountains have given a spiritual release for people since time in memorial, indeed, the Gaelic proverb we use on our 'T' Shirts shows this ("The Soul of the Gael is on the Summit of the Mountains"). Indigenous peoples the world over looked to mountains and rock for inspiration and created rock art (some examples of cup and ring marks are to be found halfway up crags in Northumberland). It is perhaps unsurprising that we have an innate love of climbing as most communities inhabited crags and cliffs where protection from beasts and other communities could be gained. Artistic expression in their homes was also only natural – even today we like to decorate our homes.

Hence, mountaineering and climbing has a great tradition of art. This has been particularly evident from the start of Victorian exploration into the mountains, when mountaineers conveyed their experiences through writing and painting. One look at the number of books written about mountaineering, gives an idea of how mountaineers are able to express the artistic aspect of the pursuit.

It is also true that a lot of climbers are probably artists first and foremost. Recent examples of artist climbers are Andy Cave in Sheffield, David Wilson based in Fort William and John Redhead, based in North Wales. Redhead's art in particular crosses the boundary between his world of climbing and his artistic drive – names of paintings are the same as the names of his new routes and its difficult to discern which inspired which. Jonathon Heaton Cooper whose father is famous for his paintings of the Lake District is also a distinguished climbing artist.

Because of the fluid movement involved in climbing (if your not gripped that is!), climbers in particular seem to lean toward the performing arts in their expression. Great examples in recent years have included Ed Ward Drummond and his performance of prose and poetry whilst climbing a 5m tripod! John Redhead's more recent work has also centred on performance with climbing an integral part (along with shamanism and sex!). And the guest entertainer at this years Annual Gathering in June, Alastair Lee, is anything but ordinary with complicated visual presentations and live music!

Many walkers pride themselves in the quality of their photography and this goes beyond merely taking 'snaps' – a record of a day out – but an artistic representation of the hills around them. Wainright and Poucher were great artists with their photography and sketches. A recent exponent of mountaineering art using modern computer technology is Iain Evans, whose creative imagery through an audio visual presentation is a stunning representation of mountain walking in an artistic form.

As a celebration of this artistic side of our pastime, we are pleased to announce that, as part of Scotland's Year of the Artist 2000 – 2001, Neal Beggs (resident in Glasgow) will be undertaking an art residency with the MCofS. About the Artist The MCofS Project

'Mountain', 1998. [ click to enlarge - 57k ]