Waiting’ is an original painting on wood by Abi Baikie, inspired by her travels to Asia. “This empty chair and umbrella sat by the roadside have an ambiguous feel as we are unsure who was there or who is coming back. I love objects that suggest human interaction and I also wanted to paint the glimmering sunlight that trickled through surrounding trees and fell upon the fabric of both the chair and the umbrella. My latest work embraces strong colours and striking patterns, imitating the vibrancy and bustle that I experienced on my travels to Asia. I take inspiration from new places and experiences by taking photographs of any objects or scenes that catch my eye in everyday life. Little every day customs and habits like washing our clothes or sitting in a chair as well as bigger actions like the construction of buildings are all things we experience and see around us. The background and surroundings in each piece are always slightly abstract so they cannot be placed entirely and maintain a little unfamiliarity and curiosity. Overall, I would like to think my work sparks the same feelings of intrigue and wonder in others that the places I travel to bring me and remind people of all the things that connect us and make us human, all of our similarities in how we interact with the world.” Abi Baikie