The Glasgow landscape is steeped in history and design. From the grand structures of Kelvingrove and the University in the west end to the Greek Thompson and Charles Rennie Mackintosh constructions of the city centre, the city has inspired generations of architects and designers to compliment our dear green place with incredible examples of creativity.
The Glasgow Illustrator Adrian McMurchie pays homage to our distinguished past and confident modern outlook in his creative city scenes, maps and watercolours. The contrast of vibrant colours and architectural lines allow you to still feel the beating heart of the city in his innovative designs. Adrian has been a strong supporter of a number of charities in the city, perhaps most notably with his design for the Glasgow Oor Wullie trail which sat in the banks of the river Clyde beside the Tall Ship and Riverside Museum.
Adrian and I spoke about the very different challenges he has faced during 2020 and what has kept him going. Hope you enjoy.
Q. What advice would you like to go back & give yourself at the start of lockdown?
A. Although it's been tough, I'd like to think we've done our best as a family since lockdown started in Scotland.
Q. How have you been keeping yourself busy?
A. As lockdown began I started an exhibition piece for The Riverside Museum. Normally this would have taken a month or so but due to the nature of everything generally going at a slower pace we could take our time with it and subsequently I produced a series of roughs evolving every time. Without the tie given we wouldn't have produced as good a finished artwork as we did. The job was to illustrate a map of Glasgow record shops from the 1980's to roughly 1995. It was due to go on display in June but we'll be holding off until any form of lockdown is gone along with the virus so as many people as possible can visit.
Q. What has been your biggest challenge?
A. I'm used to working from home on my own with my daughter being at school and my wife working away for half of the month so initially it was a bit of a challenge having more people at home and with that, more distractions.
Q. Where have you found strength at difficult times?
Q. Maybe, rediscovering my love for cycling. I used to go out daily in my 20s and 30s but this dropped off over the last decade. I'm back on it 6 days a week. Great for body and mind and I'm finding different routes all the time I never knew existed.
Q. How did you find home schooling?
A. Home schooling wasn't too strenuous, especiallywith the support of the teachers at school. Our daughter was in P6 and now P7. They were fortunate enough to have ipads from the school so the teachers could send work remotely and have a group facetime meeting once a week.
Q. What have you learned about yourself?
To slow down. Previous to the virus I'd be up at 6am working for a couple of hours before taking Grace to school then back to work. Now, I go out on my bike either first thing or after the school run and get to the drawing board a little later. I feel far more relaxed and chilled out due to this change of routine. Also, to not put off for another day what you can and want to do.
Q. Did you pick up any new skills?
No new skills as such. As before, loving the cycling and enjoying long walks with the family.
Q. What have you missed most?
What a lot of people have missed no doubt. The ease of movement. Wandering into shops/cafes etc and having a random pint when the notion takes me.
Q. What will be the biggest challenge artists & designers will face when we start to move out of lockdown?
A. Throughout the years any form of art has been seen as a luxury despite significant periods in history being remembered and punctuated by great art, theatre, film etc. The concern is Governments will let the arts flounder unlike other so called vital sectors of business. What is worth noting and remembering is that artists of all variety are always creating through recessions, pandemics or any other worldwide affected scenario whilst others may grind to a halt such as construction, finance etc.
