My interview with an invited artist is published every month in Inverclyde Arts Newsletter.

December 2006 - Alec Galloway

Alec Galloway is one of the worlds leading glass artists. He is Head of Architectural Glass at Edinburgh College of Art, but still finds time to travel the world participating in a wide variety of projects.

Born in Greenock, Alec is one of Inverclyde’s greatest ambassadors as his work is critically acclaimed at home and abroad. His art encompasses both the traditional and contemporary. Its diversity can be experienced from stained glass windows in Scottish churches to the cutting edge design of the feature glass installations in skyscrapers, hotels and shopping malls worldwide. His creativity however spans many art-forms as not only does he produce the occasional painting he also performs widely with his band “The Lazerenkos”.

How did you get started as an artist?

Although I was good at drawing from an early age and art was my strongest subject it was near the end of my time at school when I decided to make a career in art. I came from a background where it was assumed that I would leave school and get a trade and I was originally going to become a joiner. However, I had some older friends at university and they planted the seed in my mind of going on to art school. I then tried to think of a way I could earn a living from art and that led me down the route of glass art.

How would you describe your artistic style?

My treatment of glass art is very loosely painterly abstract with messy expressive brush lines. I focus on line colour and texture.

Are there any artists who influence your work?

One of my main glass artist influences was my tutor Douglas Hogg but also John Piper and Harry Clark. I would say I find the work of the St. Ives School very forward thinking and the work of Peter Lanyon and Williamina Barnes Graham has influenced me. In tandem with this I admire American abstract artists like Jackson Pollock, Robert Motherwell and Mark Rothko.

Where do you take your inspiration from?

In addition to the artists already mentioned, my work is a response to the landscape and the history of places. Since glass is a light based medium I am inspired by the way the changes in the light are reflected in the changing mood of the landscape.

What past project did you most enjoy and why?

While still a student I obtained my first commission which was an office development by Doxford International as part of a regeneration project. This commission was pivotal in getting my career underway as I was in a position to buy equipment and set up as a glass artist before I had even graduated.

Having undertaken projects both at home and abroad which do you prefer?

I prefer working at home as much of my inspiration comes from my connections with the Clyde and Greenock but I would be happy to undertake future projects abroad on a consultancy basis if I could retain my home in Scotland.

Tell me about Cara New Glass and where you see it going.

This is the company I set up to facilitate dealing with developers in different projects. In the future I would like to expand the number of people working within the company in a variety of different roles.

What are your current projects?

On December 7th a large stained glass window was unveiled at Byres Road in the West End of Glasgow. I have collaborated on this project with the artist Rosemary Beaton. I am also involved in the regeneration of the Port Glasgow Cycle Path where I am working with local school children in the creation of a series of standing stones.

Are there any new projects in the pipeline?

Recently I have been awarded a commission by the Govanhill Housing Association in Glasgow which is part of a regeneration project.
The restoration of the stained glass windows at the Old West Kirk in Greenock is a longstanding project which is still ongoing.
I am also working towards a Watersongs Exhibition at the McLean Gallery and Museum in Greenock in April 2007. This is a Public Arts initiative to ensure that art is incorporated into the regeneration taking place in that area. Further afield I have been contacted in connection with more projects in Dubai.

Have you any advice for emerging artists.

The most important thing for an artist is to believe in what you are doing. Art is a very difficult thing to make a living from and you must be committed. You must have great enthusiasm for your work which will help with motivation when things are bleak and you are not selling anything or getting commissions. Self belief can help make things happen.

Have you any other interests?

My other great passion is working with my band “The Lazerenkos”. My two interests often overlap as the making of music is also a creative process. So when glass making starts to overwhelm I can relax with music and still be creative at the same time. The bands most recent success was winning the competition to find a song for Inverclyde which was run by the Greenock Telegraph and The Ardgowan Hospice. I also took second place in the competition as a solo artist. The CD with the songs will be released for sale in time for Christmas.