Could we begin by discussing early artistic influences?
Well, when I was a very young boy, my mum would encourage anything creative. But I don’t think she thought I’d eventually be making my own art. And then one day, we were at school – I must’ve been about six or seven years old – and the teacher showed us Water Lilies by Monet. And that was it. I just made loads of versions of that, really. From there on, it was just something I enjoyed. After a bit of time, I had my fill of copying things and started to sketch my own ideas.
What did those early drawings look like?
Oh, it was the sort of drawings any kid would do – your interests at the time. Lego, Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Spider-Man. Stuff like that.
How did things progress from there?
I went to study Fine Art at Sheffield Hallam University. And immediately, I felt at home. It was brilliant studying in the new building at Fitzalan Square. I was still slightly hesitant, unsure and sort of guarded. But throughout uni, I was able to hone my style a bit and didn’t feel as much trepidation.
Then, when Covid happened, loads of people were leaving studios. Me and a friend, who’s also an artist, managed to get a studio at Exchange Place. We got quite far up the list and secured one, basically because nobody else wanted them at the time. That was great as it provided a base and a structure for work – which I’m still trying to master!
Most of my work has been shown in group exhibitions or open calls. Back at university, the tutors would encourage us to look out for those opportunities. I’d say, “But I’m just a student,” and they’d reply, “Trust me, what you’re doing here, people will want to see it.” So I started submitting work, and it’s been great to connect with different themes – things like ‘birth and rebirth’ or ‘home’ – the sort of things that tie into the everyday stories I love exploring.
When would you say you started developing a sort of style of your own?
There’d be little moments where I’d be exposed to a new painting or drawing. I’d see something and think, “Oh, that’s better than what I can do.” And it’d inspire a burst of creativity. I remember at school when I saw the work of George Shaw – that visual art and depiction of the everyday was a big influence. I thought, “Right, that’s the sort of thing I want to make.”
Speaking of that, moments captured from everyday life is a recurring theme in your art. How do you decide on subjects?
The drawings usually come from an idea that sort of grabs me, and then from that, I can compose this whole image in my head. It all sort of needs to get out immediately. But before I draw it, I’ll do sketches and prepare material to make it match as close as I can to that initial idea.
I’ve got my interests – things like football, domestic life and family – and they naturally filter into my art. They’re like little worlds of their own and I like to capture bits from them. You can wait for ages for new ideas to come to you, but sometimes it’s about just keeping your mind supple and experiencing things.
I take photographs and do sketches when I see certain things. It’s about connection; a lot of art these days focuses on how people are different. But everyday life is something 99% of us can relate to – and there’s a lot of joy in it.
There’s often a lot of beauty in the mundane parts of life, isn’t there?
Yeah, that’s it. Something that seems simple, like a piece depicting the chaos of a family at home rushing to get ready for a function, can inspire a lot of emotion and nostalgia in people. It can also make people laugh, too.
What role does humour play in your work?
A big one. I think art without humour can feel very heavy, certainly for me anyway. There’s so much ridiculousness in everyday life – you’ve got to capture it.
When people engage with your work, what do you hope they take away?
I’d like them to feel noticed. Everyday life can seem repetitive or insignificant, but there’s beauty in it. I hope my work helps people see that – and maybe, more generally, feel that everything’s going to be fine.
What advice would you give aspiring artists?
Make art about what you love. It’s like when someone learns to play guitar or piano – if they’re learning songs they have no desire to play, they’re not going to get far. But if you’re playing your favourite songs, you’ll push yourself. Technique and refinement come later, but the joy of creating will give you that fire that can keep you going for life.
