UK-based Jonny has been a lighting professional for over 25 years, working all over the world as a designer for the music, events, and fashion industries. Known for his ambitious creativity and love of the mirror ball – a classic Gaskell design trademark – right now Jonny should have been on tour with David Gray and Groove Armada … instead, he is inspired in self-isolation …

Robe: Where are you right now?

Jonny: At home in Hove, East Sussex, UK – on the south coast.

Robe: How are you spending time whilst isolating / on lockdown?

Jonny: Home schooling the kids, cycling, taking walks on the (amazing) South Downs with the family and the dog.

Robe: What is the most creative thing you can do whilst in isolation?

Jonny: I’m working on drawings / programming for upcoming shows that may or may not happen, but just trying to get ahead of the game for when everything starts up again.

Robe: Are you looking after anyone else during the Covid-19 crisis? Like neighbours or others in the family?

Jonny: Just the family and pets.

Robe: Has anyone particularly inspired you since this crisis started?

Jonny: A friend of ours is a nurse at the main hospital in Brighton, where she has been redeployed to the Covid19 ward working 13-hour shifts with PPE running out etc. She has to stay in a flat with other nurses so that she doesn't risk spreading the virus to her immediate family which must be incredibly tough.

She is awe-inspiring and truly humbling. Well done Sylvia x

Robe: What has been your favourite book / movie / Netflix or TV series / viral video / Games / music?

Jonny: Ozark season 3, (starring Jason Bateman and Laura Linney as a married couple running a complex money-laundering operation in the Ozarks – a region spanning northern Arkansas and the southern half of Missouri in the US); Unorthodox (A woman flees an arranged marriage in Brooklyn to start a new life abroad) and Tiger King (Murder, Mayhem and Madness in this blockbusting American true crime documentary) have all filled up a bit a time!

Robe: What is the first thing you would like to do when we are through this crisis?

Jonny: Have all our friends over for a BBQ and a large drink!

Robe: Own question / answer / message of solidarity or something you would like to say?

Jonny: Stay safe out there guys and look after each other! Hopefully, we will all be back doing what we love soon x