Adam Gandy
Zine 12 - Visit My Country
How would you describe your profession?
I am an artist, illustrator, and arts tutor.
What’s your country of origin, and when did you come to Scotland?
I was born in Canada, and I arrived in Glasgow in 2014.
How did you end up in Scotland?
In 2013, a job offer took me (and my partner) to Munich from Vancouver. When our Munich flat sublet came to an end, we found ourselves in a bind. My partner had friends in Glasgow and because I could travel back to Munich for work from there, we moved to Glasgow Southside. We procured a Visa for my partner to come to the UK in 2015 and entered a protracted battle with the Home Office 'Hostile Environment' policy. During these legal events, Brexit happened, and ended my ability to work in Europe.
As an artist, what medium and formats do you use?
I am a self-taught ceramic sculptor. I make otherworldly objects as well as decorated pottery. I also have a drawing practice that often branches out into illustration.
Has your experience of migration influenced your art?
I know that my history of migration has some effect on my creative output, but not in a conscious way. There could be subconscious links between being seen as an alien and making alien objects, or cultural references in my drawings. However, I have the luxury of putting my migration story aside as I make artworks.
In your view, does being a migrant artist influence how your art is seen in Scotland and the UK?
Having a migration story is always compelling to people and will always invite questions and comments. However, as a Canadian, I don’t feel expected to convey a singular cultural expression in my art.
What is your zine poster artwork about? What medium did you use and why?
My first thought was to represent my memories of the mountain environment I spent my early years in.
What elements of your cultural heritage, if any, have you noticed in Scotland?
My mother's family is from Romania and my father came from Liverpool. I see a lot of his culture here. In the Southside, I am also fortunate to have a couple of Romanian shops that I can visit for familiar foods and flavours.
Has anything happened as a result of you contributing your artwork to Migrant Voice’s zine series?
A person from the same area in Canada as me (the Kootenays) saw my poster in the zine and recognised the references. It was a lovely surprise. It's nice to know my memories are shared by others.