How did you get into art?

I have to start by saying I class myself more as a graphic designer who dabbles in illustration than an artist.... but I guess I was always into drawing and making stuff as a kid, and art and design was one of the few subjects that actually interested me at school. When it was time to leave school I didn't really have a clue what I wanted to do and was encouraged to enroll on a graphic design course at college by one of my teachers, and I've done graphic design ever since.

How do you get inspiration for the pieces you produce?

For my design work projects the inspiration has to be led by the brief I'm given, and trying to fulfill that in the most interesting way possible. For anything that's self-initiated... it's just whatever I feel like doing at the time really. I am a bit of a night owl though, and I do tend to have better ideas and feel more like working really late at night - I need to find some Australian clients I think :)

What has been your best creation to date?

I'm quite critical of everything I do... I think when I do something that comes out looking the way it looks when it's still inside my head then I'm quite pleased, but I'm usually more impressed with other peoples work.

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

Well if hype draws attention to something and makes it more well known then of course more people will be aware of it and possibly like what they are seeing. People liking something because they are told it's good just reminds me of that old story of The Emperor's New Clothes, I like to think people aren't that silly...but I could be wrong!

Does being so talented have a downside?

Hehee, did anybody answer this question seriously? I'd love to read what they wrote :) I don't think it's likely to ever happen but if anybody ever hears me complain that I'm soooo talented that it's getting me down, they have my permission to give me a good hard slap!

Last CD you bought/downloaded/shoplifted?

Hello Everything - Squarepusher.

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

Sometimes when I'm having to stay up late working on a dull project for the annoying client from hell I feel like I've earned every penny, but other times I think it's not a bad way of earning money is it?

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

Wouldn't musicians say that their music is a form of art? I guess it depends what you class as art really, pretty much everything we buy is designed or created by somebody. Anyway perhaps in these days of sneaky downloading people aren't spending so much on music anymore...

Know any jokes?

Nope, I'm absolutely terrible at remembering jokes... I could make one up for you, but that would just be embarrassing.

What make you happy?

Big baskets full of fluffy kittens etc!

What makes you sad?

Don't know about sad, but my short attention span sometimes means I lose interest and don't finish things I start. That's a bit annoying.

Sex, drugs or rock n roll?

If somebody invented an intravenous coffee drip I'd be a very happy bunny!

Last book you read?

Hard-boiled Wonderland and the End of the World - Haruki Murakami.

What's your favourite soup?

Everybody reading this will be able to sleep soundly now they know that my favourite soup is in fact tomato & basil.

Tell us a secret?

I have a fairly odd phobia about apples - specifically the noise that they make when somebody crunches them loudly. What a weirdo eh! :)

Quote us your favourite song lyric?

'What about China?
Have you seen the Great Wall?
'All walls are great if the roof doesn't fall...'
I've Seen It All - Bjork and Thom Yorke

What time did you get up?

8am.

Any close encounters with the law?

Nope, not me.

Final thoughts?

How many coffees is too many coffees in one day?....

Interview - Mr. Burrows 13/04/07