A BRAVE Greenock man who lives with post-traumatic stress disorder says turning discarded items into unique artworks is helping him recover from tragic experiences. 

Gary Martin, 58, creates innovative models and sculptures from bits and bobs he finds when he's out and about in Inverclyde. 

A selection of Gary's models have now been selection by Wyllieum bosses to be included in a special collection at the gallery. 

Greenock Telegraph:
Gary, who called himself a 'repurposer' said he's very proud to have his works displayed at the recently-launched museum. 

He said: "I've always made stuff, I never made these models to sell them or exhibit them. 

"I just enjoy making them. 

"If they put a smile on someone's face, I am happy with that."

Gary worked as a security manager for the NHS in England for almost 25 years. 

In his time in the job, he witnessed five people taking their own lives, and lives with PTSD as a result of those experiences. 

He left the NHS role in 2018 and in 2019, he moved from his home in Basildon to Paisley, before arriving in Inverclyde in 2022. 

Greenock Telegraph:

Gary says his model-making activities ramped up when he was stuck in the house himself after he moved to Greenock. 

He said: "I didn't know anyone at all and I was really fed up. 

"I started making robots first. For the first one I created, I had a story in my head about a wee robot that lives at the back of a shed. 

"He was very lonely, so he started creating other robots to keep him company."

Gary joined Inverclyde Shed in 2022 and says the team there have been a fantastic source of support.

He's also taking a course run by Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH). 

Greenock Telegraph:
As a Shed member, he has continued making his unique models, and is now moving onto lights and lamps. 

Gary said he enjoys 'repurposing things' and 'being sustainable '. 

Greenock Telegraph:
His sculptures were selected by the Wyllieum to appear at the gallery as they were a 'good fit'. 

Gary added: "The response has been really good. 

"I love the creative process of collecting things and piecing things together into something that has a use. 

"I'm very proud to be exhibiting here, it's such an amazing place."

Gary grew up in an old docklands community in London's east end and says he sees a lot of similarities between that area of England and Greenock. 

Gary added: "They're both old industrial communities full of really friendly people.

"I love Greenock and I love the people. 

"Greenock is definitely my forever home now."