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I wanted to be an
artist for as long as I can remember, on recalling my childhood
it seems I was always drawing and painting - it became the very
fabric of my life. I owe my art teacher so much, he made art
such an enjoyable subject and I spent many happy hours in the
art room. The freedom, guidance and encouragement received
during my formative years set the foundations for my artistic
career.
I studied drawing and painting at Bournville School of Art,
specialising in life drawing and history of art. I also set out
on a career within the printing industry, managing to combine
this with an ever-developing style of work in both fine art and
illustration, selling and exhibiting my work at regular
intervals.
It wasn’t until the autumn of 1997 that I turned professional,
dedicating for the first time ever, all of my energy into my
art. I held a major one-man retrospective exhibition in the
summer of 1998 entitled ‘All in a Life’s Work’, which was a
personal selection of paintings representing my artistic
journey. This innovative exhibition also featured a live concert
by rock star Steve Harley, who has enjoyed major success,
including the classic No. 1 ‘Make Me Smile (Come up and see
me)’. I have always found inspiration through words and music
and the creativity and poetic quality of Steve Harley’s music
has strongly influenced my artistic development. I am honoured
and delighted that such a talented and inspirational figure such
as Steve has supported my work over so many years.
‘The Journeyman’ was the first of my paintings to combine a
character within a street scene. This has lead to a new style of
subject matter based on street life, whether reflecting everyday
happenings or capturing the nostalgia of an industrial age. I
like to think there is a poignancy and spirit within these
works.
Growing up in Birmingham in the sixties and seventies has given
me so many memories to draw upon; it has given me my identity
and working class ethic. The working man in my industrial street
scenes is an iconic figure reflecting the industrial age, but it
could be in any city or any town.
I travelled extensively throughout the U.K. for the majority of
2002. My ‘Homes & Hearts’ tour launched my work to many
galleries across the country, it was an absolute pleasure to
meet so many wonderful people, they have become a great source
of inspiration to me.
I am constantly pushing myself in new and exciting directions.
As well as my drawing and painting I also lecture art to special
needs students based within the community. This is a challenging
and rewarding addition to my busy life and a chance for me to
give something back.
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