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A Q&A with… Brian McClure

By August 23, 2016No Comments

Screen Shot 2016-08-08 at 16.30.48Brian McClure, Omnibus’ very own artist in residence talks about how he got involved in Visual Arts at Omnibus, what he’s up to now, and what his work at Omnibus means to him.

 

 

Brian, you’ve been involved with Omnibus from the start – right back from when the building was still a library. How did that happen?

I learnt about the library shutting down when I was first retired and signed a petition to save it. Years later, I came in to help repurpose the space, and only intended to help one Saturday afternoon. It was only meant to be for four hours, repainting the ceiling. But it’s now been several years! In the same way as my first time helping out here, everything I have done at Omnibus has been in response to a request, or a need for something. This is the case with the art workshops. For example, I organised workshops for the children who would to come to space to use the library. It worked the same way with St Mungo’s homeless charity, where I go in to help people in recovery. I have never come here with a plan or an agenda; I am just doing my best to provide people with workshops and exhibitions they’ve asked for.

Tell us more about yourself, and your life prior to Omnibus.

I’ve been self-employed most of my life. I have occasionally sold work as a professional artist, but mainly lead community workshops. I spent most of working life salvaging old printing equipment and presses. There was a lot available as people switched from letter press to computer settings, and printing changed completely. I travelled all over the UK and gave a lot to museums. The whole process took 20 years!

However, I have been a practicing artists my whole life, exhibiting art during workshops. I find that they are a good way to engage people and for them to be productive and do something, which encourages others to do the same.

What has been your favourite moment working at Omnibus?

The opening night of the Three Photographer’s Exhibition was a definite highlight for me. A lot of work has gone into it, and it has been a long process. It was originally booked for June, but had to be rescheduled. When people came in and saw the work, it was a great moment.

I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to organise exhibitions by self-taught artists, and so this particular one means a lot to me.


Catch our Three Photographer’s: Wild in the City exhibition now at Omnibus, open every day from 10am to 6pm. Free entry. All work is on sale.

Brian also writes and takes pictures for Homeless Diamonds Magazine, available online for the first time this month. Read his piece in the new issue here: http://www.homelessdiamonds.org.uk/

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