How did you get into art?
I have always been a doodler, but I was strongly encouraged by my Grandfather who was a sculptor and a silversmith. I'm never comfortable without a biro in my hand and a scrap of paper to scribble on.
How do you get inspiration for the pieces you produce?
Things I've heard that get the mind a-tickin' are the primary source, burt I also ask people to suggest stuff on my site. Some of my stranges ideas have come along that way.
What has been your best creation to date?
I'm not sure what I'd term as 'best', but my most successful creation is without doubt the piece from 2004 called 'From Heaven to Hell.'
Why Biro?
It's immediate, portable, unusual ... and cheap!
How much do you think hype affects the public perception of what good art is?
Hugely. Peoples' perception of 'good' has always been peer-driven. Get enough 'role models' saying something is great then the sheep will follow.
B3ta seems to attract people with a certain sense of humour?
Yes. Yes it does. Some people don't 'get it' and see it as peurile and childish, but that's pretty much the whole point. I think it's an important survival tactic to not take oneself too seriously.
Last CD you bought/downloaded/shoplifted?
Heh. I've never bought a music CD because I don't listen to music. Ever.
I own no music and I own nothing to play music on. No CD player, no MP3 player, not even a radio!
Music interferes with my thoughts and bothers me. I even turn down the TV when a show starts to avoid listening to the title music! Yes I know, I'm a freak.
How did you feel when you realised that art could make money?
Can it? Gosh!
Why do so many people spend money on music yet so few buy art?
I have no idea. I don't really get music at all. I can't see the attraction.
Know any jokes?
Loads, but they're all crap and many are a bit rude.
What makes you happy?
My Wife, a drawing exceeding my expectations, walking in amongst trees, people complimenting my drawings.
What makes you sad?
Mostly other peoples' attitudes, rudeness and ignorance.
Sex, drugs or rock n roll?
None of the above. Well, sex I guess, but as a married man it's a limited commodity!
Last book you read?
Gormenghast (again) - Mervyn Peake.
Is there a downside to being so massively talented?
Aw, you flatterer. People assume that I can (and will) draw anything that THEY want at the drop of a hat and for free. Need a poster? ask Phillip. Want a caricature of your dog? Ask Phillip. Need a scale model of Paris made entirely from milk-bottle tops? Phillip'll do it.
Tell us a secret?
I can't think of one.
Quote us your favourite song lyric?
I don't have one. Sorry. See above.
What time did you get up?
5:25pm. I work nights so I'm nocturnal.
Any close encounters with the law?
I'm a good boy. Not even a speeding ticket.
What else do like other than art?
My Wife, Movies, my pets and faffing around on the internet.
Any regrets?
Many, many many. But none I'm going to go into here. Sorry.
Interview - Mr. Burrows 12/02/07
