1 When did you start to make art?
I have been creating since I can remember, I knew it was the path for me to take in life due to an amazing art teacher at Richmond college. Mary showed me it was possible to do whatever you want to and succeed.
2 How did you evolve into a professional artist?
‘Professional’ and ‘artist’ seem quite strange words to put together.
3 What drove you to make art as a professional vocation?
It’s not a professional vocation. I think it will be a good few years till I can get to that point. However its my passion, it’s something I have to do to keep me sane.
4 Explain your inspiration?
The world around me. The most beautiful and morbid aspects and the human condition.
5 In what way does your inspiration transform into ideas?
I will adapt an idea from something I have seen, heard or felt. I try to convey this onto the canvas.
6 From Ideas to production of art – how? And why?
How:I use my mistakes to make up the final piece. I like layering and building up a surface, texture is very important to me. I like the ‘edible’ aspect of a piece.
Why: My work is an extension of myself.
7 Could your ideas be portrayed in any other medium? If so which?
I would like to explore the use of animation in my work. I use a lot of mixed medium in my work but it always ends up on a surface of some sort, It would be interesting for me to work without the restrictions of a canvas.
8 Which artists would you most like to blatantly rip off?
I would love to be able to have the skill of Glenn Brown and paint the beautiful masterpieces which he produces. His method of deconstructing other artists work is one I think belongs to him only.
9 Why is your art made?
As I have said before, it is a passion which is just an extension of myself.
10 What does being an artists mean to you?
Creativity is part of my personality, it’s a way of life. My role as an artist is to deliver my understanding of myself and the world .
If I bring happiness or inspire others along the way thats’ a bonus.
11 Are you happy with your reasons for making art? i.e Are there any trade offs that make life hard?
Yes. It’s hard, it’s a constant battle trying to exist in a structured society. I feel you have to sell your soul a little.
12 When does your art become successful?
My art becomes successful when I’m satisfied with it. I’m not expecting to be satisfied anytime soon.
13 What is art?
Well, I think it is an expression of someone’s thoughts and emotions. But that’s only one aspect. Its is too far a complicated to give an concluded answer .
14 How do you start the process of making work?
The process of the painting is just as important to me as the finished piece. Therefore I take my time and enjoy the process, I start by playing with the paint and sees where it takes me. It may start with one small idea, a color or shape and it grows from there.
15 Who prices your work? And how is the price decided upon?
I price my work, it’s something I don’t enjoy doing. I work it out upon how much I am attached to the piece, how much money I have spent on all the paints, canvas and other equipment. Then also the hours of work I have put into it.
16 What is your next; move,project,show etc?
I work at the Saatchi gallery with many other artists so I am putting on a show of everyones work in a disused shop. It seems silly that everyone I work with is so talented and creative and no-one has ever collaborated to show it off before.
17 What are the pros and cons of the art market?
When you work in the art world you realise it is purely about money. Money, money and money. The artist is the bottom of the pile, the business man at the top.
18 Which pieces would you like to be remembered for?
I wouldn’t like to be remembered for one piece in particular.
19 Any routine in making your artwork? If so what?
Set up and start. Simple.
20 What has been the biggest break in your career?
….I’m still waiting.
21 Who has been the biggest influence on you?
Tamara De Lempicka.
22 How many artworks have you given away and to whom?
Too many to remember. I don’t do it for the money. So if a good friend or lover falls in love with a piece, it’s theirs.
