Renowned sculptor Andy Scott inspires future artists

Both Students and staff at Cumbernauld College, were excited at the idea of learning first hand from a true expert in the sculpting world, as they welcomed Scotland’s leading public artist Andy Scott to the college this week, to pass on some of his secrets of the trade.

Andy, who created the beautiful "Angel of the 'Nauld" Arria sculpture, which has pride of place on the A80 near Cumbernauld, returned to the town to inspire art and design students at the college.

Different sculptors will find different inspiration from various sources and even materials. Andy makes good use of various metals such as galvanised steel, fibreglass and bronze to make his visions come to life.

He then met with a former Student, Charlotte Hamilton, who's design was inspired by a Roman theme, has been chosen by Friends of Cumbernauld Community Park to be the first piece of public art to feature in the local greenspace.

As if his visit alone wasn't enough, we even had the privilege of Andy giving us a presentation, which included some of other work such as the "Beacon of Hope" and the "Heavy Horse" on Glasgow's M8, and then went on to give our NC Art & Design students advice, which they will hopefully take away with them and use on their own public art projects around town.

Andy is also working on a new project of his own which will eventually be given it's place in a prime location in Cumbernauld.

Andy said: “It’s always great to see the work the students at Cumbernauld College are producing. I previously visited the college during the Arria project and was impressed by the level of work being carried out by the students.”

Intrigued by his visit, our students quizzed Andy on his portfolio and talked about their own project to design public art for Cumbernauld Community Park. With the help of the welding and fabrication students at the college, our Art enthusiasts were able to have their public art ideas made into small metal sculptures

Andy added: “It’s good to continue this interaction with the college and I am always willing to offer a professional eye to students working on public art projects of their own.

“I was interested to hear of the students’ plans to provide sculptures for Cumbernauld Community Park. Public art enhances the environment by elevating the mundane and it’s wonderful to see it being embraced by the students and the local community group.”

Our very own Art and Design lecturer Steven Hart said: “We were delighted Andy could make it along to the college to speak to the students as it is always great to hear from professional artists.

“Andy now has strong links to Cumbernauld thanks to Arria and it was good for the students to discuss their own public art projects planned for the town. His visit has no doubt given them new inspiration for their own public art creations.

“Andy’s visit also gave us and Friends of Cumbernauld Community Park a chance to find out more about the funding available to complete our public art projects.”

What is your favourite example of public art, traditional or modern ? 

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