Featured work by A J Callan

Born in Glasgow in 1958, my childhood was surrounded by the new confidence and optimism of 60’s Britain. Carnaby Street, the Beatles and jobs for everyone! I was constantly exposed to new ideas, sounds and fashions. Everyone was encouraged to let their imagination run free. From a young age I immersed myself in art. I was just as happy sitting with a drawing pad for hours on end as I was playing football with my brothers. My mother was responsible for my interest in art; being an avid crossword fan she used to doodle whilst solving the cryptic clues and I picked up on this from an early age. At school I was as excited about the art lessons as I was about dinner time.

I often forgot to come home on time after becoming totally engrossed in a painting. Art College followed school and I spent a total of 5 years studying both fine art and graphic design. On leaving college, I entered the world of advertising. Many years working on commercial material did not erode my passion for fine art. I continued to produce pieces in my own time, experimenting with different medium and subject matter. I realised that in order to follow my dream I had to make an important decision. I chose to commit myself fully to my passion for fine art and became a full time artist in 2005, a decision I have never regretted.