In your own words, how would you describe your creative work?

I am drawn to capturing whatever I find beautiful - moments and images that compel me, that demand to be preserved. My work is not concerned with the shocking, the political, or the provocative for its own sake. Beauty, in my view, should exist without an agenda; it should simply be appreciated for what it is. My art is a celebration of this simple yet profound idea.

I am particularly captivated by the abandoned - the marks humanity leaves on the landscape - and how, over time, nature reclaims what was once its own. The passage of time fascinates me: the way it shapes and erodes, whether it’s the surface of an object or the lines on a face. My work seeks to capture and highlight these every day, ordinary subjects - the unsung heroes of life. From farmyards to abandoned cars to military relics, I am intrigued by the lives that have passed through these places and objects, and the stories they silently tell.

Energy, colour, and narrative are central to my art. When I paint, I aim to create an emotional connection between the viewer and the piece, inviting them to pause, to not just look but truly see. I want the energy of the painting to be felt - the story behind it to be understood and experienced.

Each piece I create is its own journey. My art inspires me, driving me with a passion that feels insatiable, like an addiction. Every work begins with a spark - an image or scene that ignites my imagination - and my goal is to bring it to life on the canvas, to share its story with the world.

Oil paints and pastels feel like home to me. Their tactile nature, the richness of colour, and the ability to blend and build depth are essential to my process. These mediums allow me to work expressively, with loose, dynamic mark-making that feels alive. Influenced by the likes of Turner, Cuneo and Freud, I am drawn to the thick, textured layers of paint that create a tangible sense of depth and movement.

Ultimately, my work is a reflection of my personal experiences and the world as I see it. I want viewers to connect with my images as though they’re seeing through my eyes, to feel the stories that these ordinary yet extraordinary subjects have to tell.

When did you first discover your passion for art/writing/photography?

I am predominantly a self-taught artist who came to art later in life and by complete accident. Whilst trying to entertain my daughter on a rainy Saturday afternoon, painting with my daughter I realised I had a talent and a passion for painting and pursued it.

Initially I used painting as a means to relax and wind down from an often-stressful day job, it wasn’t long before I decided that I wanted to take this hobby to the next level and develop my techniques and skills. He sought guidance and mentorship from renowned artist Emil Nikolla, and quickly began to see improvements in my work.  Since then I have studied an open university degree in painting and am in my final year of that and have created my own website and sold paintings and shipped them all over the UK, Germany, New Zealand, Australia, and USA. Much of my work is available for sale on Etsy.

What's the creative process?

My creative process varies depending on the subject, it often begins with a plethora of photo’s taken on my phone from all angles and from this I create a series of sketches in my sketch book until I am happy with the composition.  I may paint one of two practice studies before I launch into the main work itself. The painting could take days weeks or even months depending on what it is. Alternatively I may just go for it and paint something in one sitting without preparation and see where the paint takes me, I have had some good results with this spontaneity.

What does a typical day look like to you?

I would love to say it is spent in the studio or painting en plein air but that’s simply not the case. I am not a full-time artist and so most days I have my day job which is in London so there’s a bit of travel. However I try to squeeze as much in as possible and it’s not unusual to spent a couple of hours in the studio after work.

What have you learned most about yourself in recent times?

Probably acceptance, when I first began this journey as an artist, I was very self-conscious and worried how my work and I would be perceived. I would also say there was a bit of imposter syndrome in there as well. However I have been involved in exhibitions, some solo exhibitions and sold work so that self-consciousness has gone to a degree not totally I may add. I say acceptance because in the early days I was worried about people liking my work, now I accept that art is subjective and not everyone is going to like what I do or how I do it and that’s fine. I have to create work that’s true to myself and what I want to portray not too cater to taste. 

Do you have any wisdom you can share with others who are thinking of launching a creative business?

Firstly just do it, no one is going to beat down your door and do it for you, you have to take that first step its scary but keep going. Research is key make sure you know what you’re up against.  However with AI such as Chat GPT you can get all the knowledge you want at the tap of a button, it’s there and it’s such a useful resource. Art is funny, it’s the only skill I believe we unlearn as we grow up. All of us as kids drew and painted and created stuff and as we got older and became more self-conscious, we stop doing. Well who cares what people think or even what the result is the process is the important thing. Theres a great video on YouTube called “Stop F**king around and make something” it’s a TED talk by artist Aimee Mcnee and she articulates it much better than I can.

What is on your mind right now?

I am closing out a part of my degree and it calls for me to review my work over the last few months so I am just considering that and what I make of it whilst also considering the upcoming remembrance exhibition at St George’s Arts Centre I am curating between the 4th and 28th Nov. Both things are kind of linked but they are my main points of focus. I am also in the middle of reviewing my website and online content, I have calendars for 2026 and christmas cards of my work on sale and I am looking into marketing which is absolutely not my strong point.  

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