He takes in ideas for textures, marks and colours to play with, and marries them with the human form.
Garry Harper is a Scottish figurative artist whose work invites viewers into intimate moments of human experience and reflection. Born in Glasgow in 1966, his artistic approach combines technical versatility with a profound interest in the narratives and mysteries that surround human subjects.
Artistic Development and Education
Garry's formal training began at Glasgow School of Art, where he studied from 1984 to 1988. Following graduation, his love for the moving image led him to pursue a twenty-year career as a graphic artist and designer for STV (Scottish Television). Throughout this period, he continued to paint, gradually feeling an increasing pull toward full-time artistic practice—a transition he eventually made with remarkable success.
Garry Harper's Creative Philosophy
At the heart of Garry's work lies a fascination with people and their stories. He is particularly drawn to lives from bygone eras, appreciating how memories exist as fragmentary glimpses of the past. His paintings often begin with varied sources of inspiration—a live model, sketches from his notebooks, or discovered photographs—which he transforms into works that offer viewers the beginning threads of a narrative.
Artistic Process and Technique
Garry's creative process is immersive and continuous. As he notes, 'My creative mind is always at play through the course of a day, taking in ideas for textures, marks, and colours to play with and marrying them with the human form.' This ongoing observation translates into his diverse technical approach, where various media and methods serve his primary goal: creating not just an image, but an emotional connection and narrative starting point.
Thematic Focus and Impact
While some artists find their voice in landscape or abstraction, Garry finds his greatest inspiration in human connection. He observes that viewers 'conjure up a connection from our own experiences and are transported to that place, to escape for as long as we want.' This empathetic approach has resonated with collectors and gallery visitors alike, who respond to the emotional accessibility and narrative quality of his work.
Professional Recognition of Garry Harper
Garry's paintings are regularly featured in prominent galleries across Scotland, including permanent display at Braemar Gallery and seasonal exhibitions at Tolquhon Gallery in Aberdeenshire. Recent exhibitions include shows at Graystone Gallery in Edinburgh. Beyond exhibition success, he has completed notable commissions, including a portrait of Kenny Burke, former director of Scottish Ballet. His work has found homes in numerous private collections throughout the UK, USA, France, and the Netherlands.