On the cover of the exhibition's catalogue, the artist offers a quote by Joseph Campbell that states: "The symbol is talking to you and whether the head knows it or not, the heart knows it."  While viewing the steel, wood and glass works, these words become abundantly clear. Macfarlane Reid sets out to invite the viewer into his vision and in doing so he awakens our own.

The artist offers well constructed scenarios rather than narratives. He cuts metal into beautiful broad flat shapes to form fish or fowl as in Silver Perch Goes to India or works steel wire into delicate three dimensional linear patterns such as the butterfly Lisa. Whether figurative images or abstract ideas covered with emblematic symbols, Macfarlane Reid's compositions sit on the edge of the mind, recognizable but not always understood in the obvious manner.

With some exhibits like Starcatcher, which shows us a figure with a net and a star, we're sure of the narrative but more often a symbol or juxtaposition of parts will divert us from the linear reading and force us to make a lateral jump and engage our own personal store of ideas. For example, Traveller's Guide is an extended three dimensional diamond shape of metal marked with symbols and placed in a wooden shrine-like structure. It calls to mind anything from ancient compasses to modern milestones, from celestial references to spiritual anchors. It is so alien yet we feel sure if it was explained, we'd answer "Yes, of course. I think I saw something like that once".

Lake Josephine too offers different interpretations. This wood framed triptych involves a set of scales, a bird winging its way from a full moon to hover over a flower, and a fish swimming between weeds, all finely fashioned in steel, silver and brass. It appears at first to be about the need for balance in nature but then again it could be a depiction of relationships between earth, air and water. Perhaps it's a celebration of a particular locale, experience or any other play you choose to put on it. One thing is certain, it is a well constructed thought provoking work of art.

A few of Macfarlane Reid's exhibits are interactive in that the artist invites the viewer to open doors or spin wheels. Peel back a ladybird's red spotted wings to find a new form of music; look in a mirror, pose a question then spin the wheel and try to decipher the symbols in Ask Yourself. Here's a wheel of fortune that won't be found in any local fair ground.

Macfarlane Reid offers well presented sculptures that invite touch and thought. They encourage an appreciation for the artform and for the ideas we can bring forward from our own imagination, especially when stimulated by another's.