Meet the Artists: Russell McGovern and John Martin Fulton
Remembering Together: North Lanarkshire have appointed their artist to co-create memorials with communities. Meet Russell McGovern and John Martin Fulton
Russell McGovern is a Glasgow based artists specialising in public art, sculpture and installation. With over 15 years experience working in the visual arts and creative sector, Russell has also recently completed a Master degree in Sculpture at the Glasgow School of Arts, graduating with distinction. His recent work has been shown in exhibitions in the New Glasgow Society, Reid Gallery and Pipe Factory in Glasgow. In 2021 Russell was commissioned to create a large scale public artwork in a new housing development in the east end of Glasgow, due to be completed in 2023.
Russell McGovern and John Martin Fulton
John Martin Fulton is an award-winning painter who trained at Glasgow School of Art and exhibits throughout Scotland. As well as creating his own painting, John Martin shares the joy of making art with community groups of all types. He particularly enjoys bringing art to those who are deemed ‘hard-to-reach’ groups such as people from areas of multiple deprivation, people recovering from addiction or living with disabilities. He has previously been awarded a scholarship from the Royal Scottish Academy. He was born in Coatbridge and works throughout North Lanarkshire and Glasgow with a large number of charities.
John Martin says: I will be working with my colleague Russell McGovern on a series of art workshops that will lead participants to produce artwork around Covid. This will lead to the production of a book.
Broadly, it would be my approach to use my skills and experience to engage people in a journey of art-making in response to the pandemic. Much of my previous work as an artist has been with people who are vulnerable and often have no prior experience of creating art. I have delivered workshops in various social care, custody and rehabilitation settings so I am well practiced in creating a supportive and encouraging environment to allow people to deal with difficult subjects.
Our workshops will be welcoming, relaxed and friendly. Activities will be inclusive for all backgrounds and skill levels and supportive of diversity. There will be no pressure to create ‘finished’ artworks and participants could opt to be led in activities or follow their own ideas with our professional support.
John Martin’s web site | Russell’s Instagram | John Martin’s Instagram