Alistair Gow

Alistair Gow (Glasgow Print Studio) graduated with a BA (Hons) in Painting and Printmaking from Glasgow School of Art in 2010. Since joining Glasgow Print Studio in 2014, he has specialised in intaglio and relief printmaking, collaborating with artists to produce editioned prints while also teaching courses and supporting the Studio's membership. Alongside his technical practice, he continues to develop his own work as a printmaker.

"The work made for Branching follows a similar pattern to the work I have been making for the last few years. The images that become my subjects are ones that I experience through repetition - mostly from daily journeys when taking my daughter to school and going to and from work. What feels different about this latest work is the time of day that I see things and the intention. With the work made before this year, it would take time to see something, so often a tree, on these daily journeys that would pique my interest and longer still for an idea to develop for a picture. 2026 has been a busy year personally, and with the world being in its current state, I started actively searching for subjects, rather than letting them slowly find me as I had a relatively short time to make new artworks. This gave a mindful task to my journeys across Glasgow. I am so thankful for it, as the opportunity to look for a tree or anything else that held some beauty or intrigue let me really notice the changes in season and weather. In Winter, I relished the crisp, clean days and structure of things but couldn't wait for the unreal vibrancy of green leaves in spring. The full body of summer and the heat that has persisted gave blue skies that are so blue they almost don't feel truthful. I have tried to share the temperature and colour of particular moments with each picture.

This body of work made for Branching includes more scenes for the middle of night. Works such as "Were you always there", "Always One" and "Somewhere Else" came from seeing particular trees lit as if in a theatre mid-performance. Often, when I leave the studio late, the city feels empty of people. This space, and the particular street lighting, provides an oddness that I find so engaging.

Each picture gives me the chance to assess things and consider what is going on personally in a particular moment, connections to a place or thing and also wider thoughts of climate and politics. My hope with all the work I make is that beyond my connection, the impetus for making it, anyone looking might bring their own connections - fill any blank space with their own stories.

It is exciting that after the exhibition at Glasgow Print Studio the work will travel to Dublin. All of my work in the show is very much Glasgow-based, and I wonder how it will relate to a different place and a new audience."

Alistair Gow