Two years ago today I launched my little book, Sly Cooking: 42 Irresistible Gaelic Words, along with an exhibition of all 43 linocut prints that I had made to illustrate the book. It was a total delight to do, and has kept me smiling ever since. After its opening months at An Lanntair in Stornoway, the exhibition toured to Upstairs Gallery in Inverness, followed by Islay Book Festival, Tarbert Book Festival, and finally Gigha Gallery before being delivered back to me. I also enjoyed a wonderful second launch event on the book’s home turf in South Uist with Ceòlas.
Acair had to print another run of the book within weeks of its launch!
When I made each print in an edition of 10, I had no idea if I’d sell a single one. I’m delighted to tell my doubtful past self that I’ve sold hundreds, and that three of the editions (Mionagadanan, Sgionc, Pìobairean nan Tobhtaichean) have even sold out. But don’t worry: that leaves a choice of 40 prints still available to buy.
I got great press coverage too! There was a programme made about my project for BBC ALBA, and pieces in We Love Stornoway, The Scotsman, The Sunday Herald, Inverness Courier, and it got Critic’s Choice in The Herald! I was also nominated for the Gaelic Award for Culture in 2018.
You can find out everything you need to know about the wonderful words in my Sly Cooking project on the website I made specially: www.slycooking.com.
