Interviewer: I'm here with Joanne Glasgow. Joanne, could you please introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about your painting?

Joanne: My name is Joanne Glasgow. I'm a Burnley-based artist and have always lived here. I started painting and drawing at school and have always enjoyed it. I have two sons, and when they started going to school, I picked up my art again—just doing something for myself. I went to night school to study life drawing and painting with David Wilde.

Interviewer: Can you tell us a bit about the painting behind you?

Joanne: Yes, This is something i did recenlty during an outdoor painting session. Most of the time, I like to go outside and paint in situ—in parks, the woods, or just on a street corner or sat in a doorway. I get some funny looks, but most people just ignore you. Some like to come over and chat.

Interviewer: Does Burnley feature a lot in your work, since you paint on in situ?

Joanne: Most of what I do is in situ, although the painting behind me was actually done as a demonstration during an art class I attend. It’s based on a photograph.

Interviewer: Thank you. What does art mean to you, and why are you an artist today?

Joanne: I just enjoy painting. It’s a release for me, and it’s helped me a lot. About a year ago, my husband passed away, and I’ve painted every day since then. It’s helped me cope—given me something to do rather than just sitting and feeling sorry for myself.

Interviewer: Do you think more people in Burnley should get involved in art, especially painting?

Joanne: I do try to encourage people! I've taken two friends along to the life classes. I talk about it a lot... (Joanne smiles.)

Interviewer: Can you tell us a little more about the art classes and how people can attend?

Joanne: There are two classes in Brierfield—one at Brierfield Library and another at In-Situ. The library sessions are on Tuesday mornings, and the live-painting classes at In-Situ are on Thursdays.

Interviewer: I love how you paint in situ—and also at a place called In-Situ! Just one last question: where can we see more of your work?

Joanne: I'm part of Pendle Artists, and we have exhibitions two or three times a year—sometimes at the Heritage Centre in Barrowford, and other times at the Town Halls in Colne or Padiham. You can also find my work on Instagram: @joanneglasgow.

Interviewer: Thank you so much, Joanne. It’s been wonderful hearing about your work, and we look forward to seeing more of it soon.

Joanne: Thank you.

Photographed: Joanne Glasgow with her painting
Photograph and Interview by Ajaz Qureshi