How did you get into art?
It has always something I have had an interest in. I loved drawing gory pictures and battle scenes as a kid! I would try and get all the muscles and veins as anatomacally correct as I could! I think it concerned my teachers quite a bit! I remember having to see a 'special' nurse who asked me questions about my home life! They thought I had a bit of a domestic situation on the go but in actual fact I was just stoked on blood and guts...hmmmm
How do you get inspiration for the pieces you produce?
Some days I just wake up inspired! I just have the urge to paint/draw whatever! Other days it's like fighting a losing battle! I find other artists work very inspirational, the human form and sunny days!
What has been your best creation to date?
Umm a scribble in one of my old sketch books I am always fond of but I don't think it would appeal to anyone else but me.
How much do you think hype affects the public perception of what good art is?
The general public outside the 'art world' will lap up whatever is served to them but this is understandable. Their taste is developed with repetition. Like listening to the radio will only lead you to buy music that is played on the radio...whether what the radio plays is any good, is still an opinion but it is a conditioned one. So yes, hype does greatly affect what the 'mass' will consider 'good' art.
Last CD you bought/downloaded/shoplifted?
Astronautilis.
How did you feel when you realised that art could make you some money?
I always knew other peoples art could make money but I was never sure if mine ever would. If this is one of those questions about the morals of selling out...well we all gotta make money to live. Over a game of chess in the pub one evening I met a fella who was banging on about how I sucked because I had sold some paintings. 'Thats Capitalist' were some of the words he used. I asked him how he paid his rent and he said his parents paid it. Enough said.
Why do so many people spend money on music yet so few buy art?
It is more accessible to develop a taste for music than art.
How is your local art scene?
Southsea-up and rising. Brighton-complicated.
What makes you happy?
Inspiration, friends, skateboarding, art, music. Not being injured and having someone about to kiss the injured bits better when you are all bashed up.
What makes you sad?
Going to the bank.
What's it like to be interviewed?
I make a cracking cuppa so im all good.
Sex, drugs or rock n roll?
Sex always! Very inspiring! Balanced with the other two...
Last book you read?
The long dark tea time of the soul.
What's your favourite soup?
The bar im at does a fantastic brocky n leek!
Tell us a secret?
Slightly flawed question.
Quote us your favourite song lyric?
Tom Waits is always high on my list for that kind of thing! 'the higher the monkey climbs the more he shows his tail'.
Leonard Cohen 'the wise man said follow me, be but then he walked behind'. Hehe.
What's your worst habit?
Buying music and books when I can't afford it. Only a bad habit for me.
Any close encounters with the law?
Just skating stuff. A few fire incidents when I was a nipper.
What else do you like other than art?
Friends, skateboarding, chess, women. Only these things. Absolutely nothing else. Nope. No.
Any regrets?
Not learning to play music and to speak another language. I'd love to learn the double bass and to speak french.
Final thoughts?
Nope i'm off skating, the sun is out!
Interview - Mr. Burrows 16/11/07
