BBC Coventry and Warwickshire
“Part of the Picture”
When Alan was at the Sydni Centre recently, he was introduced to the Coventry and Warwickshire Radio team and invited to come into the studio after chatting with them about the artwork he was currently working on. When the day came, driving to Coventry proved a hurdle (I classically hate parking), but we made it to the studio laughing about it, and were greeted with friendliness and cups of coffee.
As Alan went into the studio, I sat behind the soundproof glass, listening to him and Vic through the speaker. Hearing a loved one’s voice on the radio was insane and I’m incredibly proud of his bravery. Alan shared about his recent ADHD diagnosis, his four years of sobriety, and how his passion for art has helped him overcome life’s challenges. He told me outside that he hoped he hadn’t gone too much into his past because he wanted to spread a message of hope, especially through positive action. Listening to the interview, I’m sure we all get a message of resilience; we can’t always reach happiness and gratitude without first being knocked down again and again.
Vic showed huge interest in Alan’s art as he had brought his sketchpad into the studio with him: the sketchpad and his pockets armed with colourful fine-liners is very trademark of him. Alan spoke about how he creates art from music and that he has found a beauty in his ADHD diagnosis because his sensitivity to sound provides scope for artistic expression of understanding, deeply, human emotion and experience. They agreed that he would draw to the next track without knowing what it was called, to let his synaesthesia inspire him as he usually does. He told me that the track gave him a feeling of peace, and it was in fact Die With a Smile, by Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga. Vic and Alan discussed in detail the journey of the drawing, and you can see the artwork on the BBC Sounds link at the end of the article.
The studio was full of smiles after Alan’s interview, it was an incredible atmosphere to have someone be so honest and vulnerable and to be celebrated for the talent they have honed throughout and coming out of their struggle. We had a sit down as Alan worked further into the art piece he had created on the air; he added more colour and I’m sure more techniques and depth he could describe a lot better than I can. There was an electrician fixing a light next to us and he showed an interest in Alan’s art, “You must have to be quick then, we could use you here!” Alan laughed, “No the carelessness would kick in… that wire will do!” It was beautiful to experience the authentic expression of creativity forging human connection before we had even left the building.
Naturally, Alan and I were drawn toward the Herbert Gallery to have a cool down, before heading into the town centre to have a coffee and a debrief of everything that just happened. We only got caught in the torrential rain once, and we listened to Brave Rival in the car home. The responses Alan received from the people in his life were very touching to see, and he can only hope his message has reached someone who may see some light from it.
By Flora Chaplin