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'Off the Wall' is a unique range of Wall Art inspired by the natural wonders of the Scottish Highlands.

Borrowing from a famous song writing duo, it was certainly a long and winding road that led me to the Cairngorms National Park. From insane days as an art student in Blackburn and subsequently Manchester, to a lengthy (perhaps too lengthy) career in graphic design and advertising, new (thankfully less stressful) doors opened that led me back to a more sedate life here in Scotland, the land of my birth. Together with my wife Andrea and youngest son, Harris, we first settled on the midge infested, rain soaked (but nevertheless) spectacular West Coast. After six years of scratching and squelching, we headed for the drier east. To the rolling, purple hills that surround the village of Tomintoul. Dubbed ‘the highest village in the Highlands’, Tomintoul sits on the northern shoulder of the Cairngorms. Thanks to Terry Wogan’s heroine, Mrs Mackay, and a regular mention on the BBC traffic report, the village is probably best known (perhaps unfairly) for its abundance of snow. However, this is an area which is also rich in history, folklore and customs. But what really takes your breath away is the natural beauty of the landscape that surrounds it. And it was this beauty that formed the inspiration behind a range of Wall Art I call ‘Off the Wall’.

‘Off the Wall’ gradually evolved, first on a traditional sketchpad - and then by developing those ideas using Serif’s incredible ‘Affinity Designer’ software. But when Andy Cox at ‘Pop up Designs’ introduced me to the wonders of the laser cutter, the jig saw was complete. Thanks Andy!

The jig saw analogy is very appropriate, because ‘Off the Wall’ creations are made from simple shapes harnessed together to form a single evocative image. A catalyst for the recall of memories, moments and experiences that have their roots buried deep in the aromatic Highland heather. Or maybe you’ll just like them for what they are! I don't create the images, nature has already done that. I just reconstitute them in wood. And you don’t get a more natural material than that!

I hope you enjoy browsing my virtual gallery here on Folksy. Let it also be a discussion room. A communal space in which to air and share your thoughts and comments!

Happy Viewing
John Polak, 'Off the Wall'

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