Joyce Gunn Cairns - Bear

Joyce Gunn Cairns MBE trained in Drawing and Painting at Edinburgh College of Art, having previously completed a degree in German and Comparative Religion at Aberdeen University. She has become one of Scotland’s most cherished artists, with nine works in the permanent collection of the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, five works in the permanent collection of the City Art Centre, and works in other major collections including Balliol College, Oxford and Jesus College, Cambridge.

Drawing on her deep sensitivity and appreciation of literature, at the core of Joyce’s practice is expressive figurative work, including portraits and wildlife studies. From some of Scotland’s most cultural figures to an otter or a dormouse, whatever the subject, Joyce draws them with the same delicacy of perception and appreciation.

She was awarded MBE for services to the arts in the June 2004 Queen's Honours List.

“I regard everything that I draw or paint, onto board or paper - be it cats, birds, flowers or people - as nothing more nor less than a relentless striving towards a deeper level of self expression and meaningful interaction with all sentient creatures.”