Glasgow artist uses Pollokshields construction site as his canvas

Sculpture artist, Jephson Robb, took it upon himself to decorate the Pollokshields building site on St Andrew's Drive.

The new artwork, entitled 'Strange Ground No1', sees red dots adorning the foundation pillars of the site. 

Jephson said: "I saw the piles while I was driving to see my parents, who live in Pollokshields. 

"I asked permission to decorate them because the way I see it, the piles were artworks in their own right.

"I've had a few people asking questions about the artwork which is great, it's always nice to see people interested in your work and I guess it's an unusual sight for people."

One of the reasons Jephson was drawn to decorate the piles with red dots was as a way of becoming more spontaneous in his artwork. 

He said: "I think I'm always usually quite precise and I usually take time over a project, sometimes too much time which then leads to me not doing it because I'm overthinking it. 

"With this, it was very much spur of the moment. I had the idea and wanted to be spontaneous and do it as quickly as possible.

"I'm really interested in standing structures too so it peaked my attention."

Another reason Jephson's attention was caught by the construction site was its impact on the community. 

Jephson pictured in 2015

He said: "Normally, I think construction sites are quite annoying for people in the community. 

"I think creating an artwork out of it gives it another purpose, people can enjoy it while the building is being built.

"It puts smiles on people's faces and helps them to appreciate what is around them - a construction site is something that people would just walk by without taking a second glance, this gives them a reason to stop and look."

New affordable homes are currently being built by CCG for the Southside Housing Association, with the help also of Nothern Piling Ltd. 

The piles will be on display until construction calls for them to be covered, but Jephson is looking forward to being a part of the community for a bit longer.

He said: "It is really interesting - I have done pieces before like one at Portobello Beach in Edinburgh where it is a temporary artwork and it gets washed away. 

"I guess this is kind of like that in a way, the artwork will be seen until the time comes and they are used. 

"But, I like the idea of the artwork being used in the foundation of these homes that will be in the community for however many years after. 

"The reaction to it so far has been great, I've been getting nice comments and messages on Instagram too and even the workmen are loving it.

"It makes me smile, and I hope it makes everyone else smile too."