Translink Artist in Residence captures the heart of Derry through a creative lens

Translink’s Artist in Residence, Ed Reynolds, has unveiled a new creative reflection following his recent journey to the North West, capturing the unique light and human stories of Derry.

In his latest blog, the artist explores the city through a visual and social lens, documenting everything from the shifting light along the River Foyle to the everyday interactions that occur across the public transport network. The piece moves beyond the logistics of travel to focus on the community, memory, and personal connections that define the region's journeys.

During his visit, Ed engaged with a diverse range of passengers, including school pupils curious about his use of colour, a nurse finding a moment of calm at the station, and a woman sharing a quiet memory of her husband. These "lived experiences" form the heart of his work, illustrating how public transport acts as a vital space for human connection.

The visit also highlighted local artistic talent, featuring students from the Belfast School of Art who were seen painting at the North West Transport Hub. This collaboration underscores the role of the hub as a vibrant community space where art and travel intersect.

Read the full blog below - The Art of Connection - River Light, Red Buses, Quiet Courage & The City That Walks Towards You

Every time the train curves along the Foyle and slips into Derry, I feel the city lean toward me. Something about the light - silvered, lyrical - feels like it wants to pull you into the scene. No other city in Northern Ireland approaches you with such openness.

When I arrived at the North West Transport Hub, three Belfast School of Art students joined me. Their easels faced the vast windows framing the river like a living painting. The Peace Bridge arched across it, elegant as a brushstroke. 

Before I could begin sketching, a woman stepped off the train just to speak to me. 

“You’re the artist, aren’t you? You painted at Helen’s Bay - I was one of the swimmers.” 

She laughed. “Eight degrees that day!” 

It struck me how often Translink passengers cross paths again. The network isn’t just transport - it’s a community stitched by journeys.

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People approached me constantly stopping to chat, ask about the paintings, share about their journeys. Many of those journeys are planned in advance - routes checked, connections noted using the Journey Planner giving people confidence before they even step onto the platform.

I was joined on my trip to the Maiden City by three students from Belfast School of Art. Cara Doyle, from Magherafelt, Ella Lynas from Jordanstown and Katye-Louise Richardson from Belfast.  

Two St. Columb’s pupils shyly asked what colours to use for water.

A young father explained he takes the Ulsterbus from Buncrana because “town parking is for saints, not mortals.” 

A nurse heading to Altnagelvin said the station felt “calmer than anywhere else today.”

A man carrying fishing gear described the best spots on the Foyle for sea trout. 

Later, painting outside, I watched Foyle Metro buses glide by, their red bodies slicing against the river’s soft light. Gulls swooped. Cormorants perched like punctuation marks. A heron stood so still I managed to paint it in real time - a rare miracle. 

Then an older woman approached slowly. 

“I lost my husband last year,” she said. “I still take the same bus we used to take. It feels like he’s beside me.” 

We stood in shared quiet - that special kind of silence that doesn’t feel empty. 

Teenagers gathered to watch. 

One said his granda insisted Derry had “the best light in the world.” 

I smiled. I had already written that sentence in my heart. 

It was particularly dull and overcast that day, but there are always colours to be found in the greys and greys to be found in the colours. 

Derry isn’t a backdrop. 

It steps forward, makes eye contact, tells you its story. 

And some passengers even step off trains or Goldliners just to tell you theirs. 

This city doesn’t welcome you. 

It meets you.