About
Edgy, quirky, humorous images using limited colour palettes convey thoughts we all have, places we have been and comments we could have made. My work, I hope, works on several simple levels; emotional response, compositional balance, mark making, humour and at times, create that ‘ah ha!’ moment.
Owing to career and family commitments I have not been able to follow my passion of painting for many years until a recent challenge was made by a friend, which has resulted in me painting and drawing again. My work is primarily based on experiences both past and present. It explores bold imagery and intimate studies, which draw the viewer to take a closer look. The use of text gives an insight to elements of my recollections and humorous nature. Often, titles for a piece are thought of first and images follow.
There are two main aspects to my work, at present: acrylic paintings on canvas and graphite drawings. I work with a limited palette to give visual impact almost graphical, but look closely and there is movement on the surface. More recently, however, I have been working with different materials and approaches, looking at quality of craftsmanship combined with a surprise element.
I must admit, I do like to swear! and use my work as a vehicle for this; the expletive series is ongoing. As a sufferer of sleep apnea; a condition that almost took over my life two years ago, I have a strong affinity with the mask that keeps me alive.
Just a brief introduction to myself
Born 1964
Education
1982 – 1984 East Warwickshire College, Rugby
1984 – 1987 Maidstone College of Art
1988 – 1989 Bretton Hall College of H.E., Wakefield
P.G.C.E. Art and Design, subsidiary C.D.T. and S.E.N.
B.A. (Hons) 1st Fine Art Painting, subsidiary Printmaking
Shows / exhibitions
Affordable Art Fair – Battersea March 2006
Group show – Sesame Gallery December 2006
Affordable Art Fair – Battersea March 2007
One man show – ‘don’t we all have days like this’ – Linda Blackstone Gallery May 2007
Works recently submitted to exhibitions
Royal College of Arts Summer exhibition
Saatchi Gallery – online showdown
Location: currently (and for the forseable future!) in North London
Personal
Married to the wonderful jo 11 years (been together 20)
JJ our son – 9 years old – great boy
Have reached the dizzy heights of advanced skills teacher at Special Needs school in North London: head of art, technology faculty as well; really enjoy my job.
Recently started painting again after years out;
thanks to friend Oz and a pint, for pushing me into painting again.
Work in my shed/studio most evenings into the late hours.
Interests:
painting
football; season ticket holder QPR
rugby; qualified coach RFU level 1 – coaching under 9’s at present at Pinner and Grammarians
tropical aquariums; originally JJ bought one, now have four tanks with assorted freshwater fish
a little bit of gardening / design,
travel but not that bothered by sun
trying out new things; having to read up about new things to stay one step ahead!
musical interests;
the black angels, richard hawley, archie bronson outfit,the greenhornes, art brut, new model army,ian dury, paul weller, the jam, the clash, arthur brown, nick drake, nick cave, spiritualised, cramps, bowie, sway, ian brown, mizzy star,traffic, free, woody gutherie, brian wilson, the byrds
