As Spring teases us with both cold and sunny days, we come out of our Winter retreat and feel more ready for summer than ever. While many places across the world are already experiencing much summer sun, several places, including Europe, are experiencing rainy, fresh days that water the plants to grow into green and new. But this won’t stop communities from communing, and home to feel like home, inside and outside. In this series, “PEOPLE MAKE GLASGOW”, we explore one of these community home towns in chilly Spring.
We spoke with photographer Alicia Portillo Vazquez about this series, where the idea stemmed from, and the meaning behind it. Joined by a video version shot by DOP Samuel Howard, this editorial comes to life in a town that’s made by its people and communities. A place to call home, even if you are away.
Why did you name this series “PEOPLE MAKE GLASGLOW”?
The slogan of the city is People make Glasgow, it makes sense to call it the same. At the beginning, it was just the slogan the actual city has, but going forward with the preparation for the shoot, I realised it actually made sense to call it like this because it represents the city and its meaning.
What is your connection to Glasgow, and how did you want to portray that through this series?
For me, Glasgow was the city I didn’t know existed, and when I found it, it became such an inspiring environment. It was a place where I could reinvent myself and create without being judged, coming from a small town in Spain, and be held in a supportive environment.
Even though people keep saying it is rough, as a good friend of mine says, it is rough on the outside. It can also be the softest on the inside. I want to show how welcoming and kind the people are there. I could study fashion, go to exhibitions, and meet amazing creatives, where everyone was welcome.
What impacted your decision to move to Glasgow at age 19, and why did you decide to stay?
I was in a state in my life where I didn’t know what I wanted to do. I came as an au pair, and after 4 months, I found out I could study fashion design at Glasgow Clyde College.
I came for 6 months to prove to myself that I could be brave and live in another country, and those 6 months have now become 11 years — 6 of them in Scotland, where my heart is held.
What does ‘home’ mean to you?
Home for me is where you choose your own family — the ones who are also far away from their other home, and you decide to create one together. No matter the time, they’ll be there.
I want to share a small tradition I have: since I left Scotland and came back every few months, every time I get out of the train at Central Station, I take a picture of the clock and post it on Instagram saying “I’m home.”
Why did you choose the locations that you did for the shoot? What meaning do these places have to you personally and the city of Glasgow?
All of them are iconic in themselves, but for me, they were also the first places I visited when I moved there. I want to show them to people — it’s like my personal tour.
But the local pubs are a must. It’s like they also create their own home there, but at the same time, everyone is welcome to join.
Some of the moods for this series were inspired by “Raymond Depardon’s aesthetic and photographic approach in Glasgow (1980).” What intrigues you about his photography? In what way did you intend to incorporate this message into PEOPLE OF GLASGOW?
His images are raw but still have style — they can feel editorial. I also love how he saw Glasgow and the fascination he held for it, and I feel the same. The city keeps mesmerizing me.
For me, it’s that rawness mixed with editorial that I try to bring into my work. I always need a story behind my creative projects — it needs to mean something.
Why did you decide to shoot a video for this photo series?
I worked with a full Scottish team because, for me, that was also important. Sam approached me and said he wanted to collaborate and bring his vision to life as well, so we worked closely on creating this atmosphere.
What do you want people to take away from PEOPLE OF GLASGOW? What is the message you want to convey?
I want them to see the city as something much deeper than what they already think they know. It is full of amazing people who are always happy to help.
When I first moved, I remember taking public transport and being really lost. A stranger on the train took me by the hand and walked me all the way to the place I needed to go. That’s the city — and that’s the people who make Glasgow.
Credits:
Photography & Art Direction – Alicia Portillo Vazquez
Stylist – Georgina Oller
Post Production – Lara Red
Producer – Samuel J Mitchell
DOP – Sam Howard
MUA – Claire Nisbet
Styling Assistant – Daryl Butler
Casting Director – Molly Peachey-Pape
Cast – Nasteho via Colours Agency Glasgow
Managing Editor – Jasmin Kraenzel
