Most of my working life has been spent in the creative departments of London advertising agencies. It’s a dirty job, but somebody’s got to do it. But above all, I like to paint and draw.
In the 1980s, I was lucky enough to attend Roy Oxlade’s legendary summer school in Tunbridge Wells. It changed my life. Roy was a brilliant artist and inspired teacher. He taught me that mistakes were good, and that irreverence was essential. Once, when he asked me what I did for a living, I told him I was an art director. My job is to grab attention. That’s all there is, he said. And that, I suppose, is the basis of my painting and drawing.
There are three tools I use when I’m making pictures. My head, heart and hands. More heart than head and always hands. Never, ever, a computer. I paint and draw very fast, looking for something that surprises. If I can surprise myself, I stand a chance of surprising you.
My work has been exhibited in various galleries, including The Royal Academy Summer Show. I have also had several sell-out shows of my Ten O’clock News series.