In the first instalment of our summer series, we speak to Val O'Regan, one of the artists who supported Project Ability artists to work on the human rights artwork commission for SCLD...
How did the artists respond to the project? Was there a particular aspect or area which interested them most?
The artists were quick to respond to the theme of human rights - everyone had a real tangible understanding of rights from their own personal perspective, as well as a more global perspective.
These conversations generated a lot of discussion in the workshops exploring the importance of having rights in terms of education, work, housing, to ultimately being the person you want to be and to having the life you want to lead.
Were there particular artistic techniques which were used?
The artists used a variety of techniques and materials including collage, charcoal, printmaking (such as lino and mono printing) mixed media pen and ink, posca pen and acrylic paint.
John Cocozza's illustrations are intaglio prints on painted paper. Doreen's artwork is a combination of black pen on painted and printed paper. Doreen also used collage to create her illustrations.
How did you achieve the right Pantone colours in keeping with the SCLD branding?
Jason's expertise! We also kept colours to a minimum on illustrations.
Pictured below are a variety of artworks, demonstrating the use of the SCLD pantones.
Did the artists have a favourite illustration in the end?
I think most of the artists were very motivated and challenged by the theme, Roddy was very confident with his drawings, he explored lots of themes including having a voice; and the importance being heard - of being listened to.
Artwork by Roddy Woods
Cameron worked with his watercolour and inks, focusing on the barriers that people experience in daily life.
Alt text: Image of artwork. A figure representing a teacher is seen pointing at a blackboard, while students sit facing the figure. Overlaid is a banner which reads "The right to an education."
Alt text: Image of artwork. Bold, colourful figures are seen waiting to post their ballots. Overlaid is a banner which reads "The right to vote".
Johnathan McKinstry was delighted to work big, to be experimental and to try out as many ideas as he had, Johnathan focused on themes of independence, having a home and also having a voice.
Alt text: Image of an artwork showing colourful houses lining a street. A banner is overlaid which reads "A safe place to call home".
Scott loves printmaking so it was a perfect medium for him to translate his bold and very striking images of expressing ideas of working together, of again having a voice and that voice being respected and listened to.
John McNaught was very prolific with his wonderfully fluid drawing style and showed his absolute confidence expressing themes of barriers in everyday life and also the importance of standing up and being aware of your rights.
Joseph Sharpe loved using his imagination and giving humour to his artwork, Joseph focused on themes of the 'under dog'; the people who have their rights overlooked and even denied, and how we can make these injustices visible.
With thanks to Val O'Regan and the Project Ability artists...
You can visit the Project Ability gallery at 103 Trongate, Glasgow, G1 5HD