Descrizione Opera / Biografia
Back in The Eighties I trained to be a veterinary surgeon and started to paint during my studies. On leaving university I continued to paint and some years later I went to the John Cass School of Art in London.
My work - in figurative drawing, painting and sculpture - is essentially about the human condition.
Originally derived from my experiences of depression, it has grown into an investigation into relationships, isolation, family, childhood, deprivation/need, vulnerability and power.
A largely autobiographical thread runs through my work and so reflection on, and a preoccupation with, life stages and the inevitability of ageing and death are themselves inevitable.
Not surprisingly this has touched on spirituality, politics and the religious impulse, and - in no small way - the animal nature of human beings.
My influences are many and various - Medieval, Renaissance and Romantic art all feature strongly – but I am also influenced by other artforms, including comics art (including Manga), political and social satirical cartoons, and even film (I have so far made one animated film and plan to do more in the future).
I like to play with existing (often traditional) forms and make them my own: religious iconography, traditional portraiture, historical painting and political cartoons are all genres I have used.
I am particularly drawn to James Gillray’s satirical prints and the pessimisstic (but grotesquely playful) work of Goya.
Above all, at the centre of my work lies humanity.
I have shown my work in France, Netherlands and UK and I have work in private collections in France, Netherlands, USA and UK.
I currently have a studio at Spike Island Artspace in Bristol, UK.
