North Berwick youngster's artwork inspired author in Ecuador

Mel Chambers, founder of North Berwick-based community group Little Artists, was excited to receive a message on Instagram from writer Rebekah Murray asking for story inspiration.

She created the group for children last year to encourage their creativity, with regular workshops and art classes at The Lighthouse in the town.

Mel said: “As it was a lovely day, we decided to create on the beach with whatever we could find.

“Maisie carefully collected only the red stones to make her shape and noticed the different colour of dry and wet sand, and used this to create contrast.

“We discussed that not all art is around forever, it can be fleeting and momentary but still worth creating and of value.

“Especially true at the beach, where the tide, wind and sand washes and changes everything twice a day!”

She sent back a photo of Maisie’s beach art to the author, featuring a spiral of stones on the East Lothian sand.

The artwork Maisie created

Maisie has started S2 at North Berwick High School and attends an art class on Monday afternoons where she has studied painting, drawing, weaving, fairy house building, sewing and using clay over the last year.

She said: “It is really exciting to find out that my artwork has inspired someone in Ecuador to write a story.

“I enjoy working in 3D as well as on paper, so I’ve loved being able to do both at art club. I chose the terracotta stones because I liked how they contrasted with the lighter and darker sand.”

Rebekah, who was born in New Zealand but now lives in Ecuador, then wrote a short story about the youngster’s creation.

Throughout last month, she challenged herself to find different artists from around the world and have them send her a random piece of artwork.

Rebekah said: “I have to create a story out of it. I tried to find a variety of mediums to challenge myself.

“It has definitely inspired me to go outside of my comfort zone when it comes to writing.

"I think the most challenging one so far has been a fantasy-focused illustration since it’s completely outside of what I usually write.

Author Rebekah Murray with the children's books she has written

“But if it’s a challenging piece for me, I usually mull over it for a few hours and usually ask people around me what the art makes them feel and think.

“For Maisie’s beach art, I was with my two friends who told me it reminded them of a labyrinth, so I went on that.

“I created this challenge for myself but I’m going to do it each year and hope other writers and artists join me.”

Rebekah teaches English as a second language in Ecuador and has published two children’s books.

The short story, which can be found on her Facebook page facebook.com/rebekahmurray.author, reads: “In the middle of an unknown world, a maze awaits anyone who is lucky to find it.

“You’ll know you have found it when you feel the soft, white sand under your feet and can touch the cold hard boulders that form the walls.

“If you walk far enough, if you trust the labyrinth you’ll eventually arrive at the prize.

“But even I can’t tell you what it is. That’s because only the creators and those who truly sought know the maze’s secret.”