How did you get into art?

Through a background of political trouble-making. I was so much younger then...

How do you get inspiration for the pieces you produce?

From wars, usually. It's an unlimited resource.

Your work in places such as Iraq is provocative, what was the local reaction?

Very mixed. Iraq was paranoid anyway and it's only getting worse. But enough people liked the work to justify me doing it. When you paint in a place like that you'd better have local approval. If people don't like you then you've failed - no matter how you put yourself across on the internet.

What has been your best creation to date?

I suppose the kids with kites in Dahiyeh, Lebanon.

How much do you think hype affects the public perception of what good art is?

About 97.5 percent, roughly speaking.

Last CD you bought/downloaded/shoplifted?

I haven't stolen anything for years. My reflexes are slowing down. I like Tom Waits and that Swedish band called Knife.

How did you feel when you realised that art could make money?

Who for? It doesn't make any for me.

Why do so many people spend money on music yet so few spend on art?

Good question. Don't know. But if most people were asked, which they would choose if they had to live without one of them, I reckon nearly everyone would throw out the "art".

Any close encounters with the law?

One or two.

Is painting on walls vandalism?

Now you're being boring.

Know any jokes ?

Well, a couple of religions.

Sex, drugs or rock n roll?

Why split them up?

Last book you read?

Bigot Hall by Steve Aylett. That man's a twisted genius.

Tell us a secret ?

Santa actually is real. He just hates kids.

What time did you get up?

I'm still in bed.

Did you have a good xmas?

Good enough. I just dug a one-man battle-trench in Brockwell Park and hunkered down with my 12 bore until all the tinsel and goodwill and other Christmas shrapnel had blown over. Bagged 3 reindeers too. Not a bad year .

Any regrets?

Too few to mention.

Interview - Mr. Burrows 17/12/06