How did you get into art?

I've always been a creative person, but architecture school gave me a new set of tools employ- obvious things like drawing, making, and studio space, but I think the art of it emerged with a certain consciousness of the environment we build together dynamically.

How do you get inspiration for the pieces you produce?

I'm in a sort of perpetual observation mode- I create in my sketchbook constantly and scenarios I feel more of a reaction to (a quote from the NYC mayor on graffiti for instance) get bigger responses.

What has been your best creation to date?

Luckily I always feel like what I'm working on at the moment is my best to date.

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

There's probably a good deal of overlap between people who follow hype and people who go for the all-inclusive vacation, in both cases you are freed from having to navigate on your own.

Last CD you bought/downloaded/shoplifted?

Actually...the Peter Bjorn + John I found on your site.  That's a fun album, thanks.

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

It felt like a coup and I was worried a bit how much that sort of reward would creep into the part of my brain that births ideas (will this sell?). Now I just feel free to produce as much as I want w/o worrying about where to store stuff in my studio.

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

People feel like they can easily switch the disc when it no longer suits their mood. Maybe  it would help people to overcome the commitment of art if they treated it like they do music, changing the tune to set the right mood around them.

Know any jokes?

A baby seal walks into a club.

What makes you happy?

Exploring new things.

What makes you sad?

The news.  I can only take it in controlled increments.

Sex, drugs or rock n roll?

Yes please.

Last book you read?

"Pattern Recognition" by William Gibson- An tech-ishly global adventure in where the heroine makes her living off of being allergic to brands and absorbs herself in the purity of an anonymous video artist's work released on the web.

Tell us a secret?

I'm really a mermaid.

Quote us your favourite song lyric?

"She shows you where to look between the garbage and the flowers- there are heroes in the seaweed."
Suzanne by Leonard Cohen (Nina Simone's version is what rocks me though).

What time did you get up?

10 am London time.

Any close encounters with the law?

I did talk myself out of going to a Senegalese jail because I could speak french.  I'd just met all the other American's who were paddy wagoned away hours before, but was able to round up their papers and help spring them from the horrid holding cell.

What else do like other than art?

Champagne.

Ask yourself (and answer) a question?

Pirate, monkey, ninja or robot?
Monkey with ninja tendencies.

Any regrets?

Regrets are best left buried with the moment.

Final thoughts?

For the final thought of final thoughts, I'd like to die singing.

Interview - Mr. Burrows 16/02/07