DESERT SHIPS ON DUNDAS STREET

Spurtle is delighted to kick off December with three notable absentees. 

Freya Levy's wise men seem to have taken the hump and slipped from view in these 'Colourful Camel' designs currently on show at Glass and Thompson on Dundas Street. 

They form part of a quirky exhibition mainly comprising animals – hares, foxes, birds and a chameleon – in linocuts, monoprints and intricate mosaic form (Issue 235). The latter include fused glass, beachcombed glass and sherds of found pottery to create lively and surprisingly detailed images.  

Levy arrived in the capital two years ago, re-inventing herself as a self-taught artist and crafter after a career spent in the South East of England. There she worked as an immigration lawyer, representing asylum seekers in a detention centre, and latterly visiting clients in category A and B prisons including Wandsworth and Pentonville. After 12 years, she'd had enough; Edinburgh beckoned.

This is her second exhibition in the café after a successful show in April and May earlier this year. One highlight of that excursion was the sale of a cockerel mosaic to the Dean of St Mary's RC Cathedral Monsignor Regan. He'd bought it for a senior colleague in the Vatican, particularly relishing the creature's religious significance as a symbol of St Peter.

Freya Levy has exhibited work – including jewellery and ceramic sculpture – at venues across Edinburgh, London and Cambridge. Her latest show – with all works available to buy – continues until Christmas.