Born in Burnbank, Hamilton, Scotland, Alan Potter began his working life as an engineer with Rolls-Royce Ltd. In East Kilbride before he enrolled at the Glasgow School of Art.
Upon graduating Alan lectured for five years at the Glasgow School of Art until he was offered the post of Head of Public Art at Chelsea College of Art and Design (University of the Arts, London), subsequently becoming Dean of the School of Design. He later resigned his post in order to pursue his preferred career as a professional artist and to date has carried out over one hundred commissions throughout the UK.
The majority of Alan's commissions have been for local authorities, hospitals, universities, schools and community organizations, many of them involving the active participation of residents and local children. He regards each site as unique, demanding individual solutions. He enjoys working in a broad variety of media, selecting the most appropriate techniques and materials for the project in hand. Generally speaking Alan believes public art schemes are most successful when they relate closely to their users and environment.
His preferred design approach is through an examination of the, traditions, culture and history of the location. He regards history as important, He believes it moulds our identity, giving reality and substance to our communities through a shared past. It is the glue that binds us together, and gives us our benchmarks in our relationships. Every city, town and village has its own unique history which in turn gives it its particular character.
Through his public art work Alan Potter seeks to discover that unique identity and bring it to life in a modern way and, whenever possible, to try and involve the community in the design process. His hope is that their participation will raise their awareness of a shared identity and perhaps make some interesting discoveries along the way.
While Alan's public artwork acts as a vehicle for raising the collective unconsciousness of communities through examination of their origins and development. His studio work reflects his interest and concerns with current affairs and the events that touch our everyday lives. The subjects are invariably topical, challenging and familiar.
Image credits (from left): "Blowing in the wind" Location: Hamilton (Alan Potter), "Cornucopia of Learning" Location: Retford (Alan Potter), "Morning Star" Location: Belfast (Alan Potter)
Alan Potter
Photography & Fine Art
23 Park Road, Hamilton, Lanarkshire ML3 6PD
T: 01698 458297
Contact: Alan Potter
alanpotter2@mac.com
http://www.alanpotter-publicart.com
News!
Alan is currently working on a carved stone and wood bench plus six small mosaics for Glenlee Primary School in Hamilton.