How did you get into art?
When I was in the highchair, according to my mom.
How do you get inspiration for the pieces you produce?
Looking at art, architecture, nature.
What has been your best creation to date?
I don’t really have a favorite, maybe a skate deck I painted with a girl and some red daffodils. I just started a St. Michaels tattoo that I think is going to be good.
How much do you think hype affects the public perception of what good art is?
A lot. Some of the most amazing musicians, writers and artists are fairly obscure while mediocrity gets the headlines. Of course some great artists have a lot of hype around them as well.
Last CD you bought/downloaded/shoplifted?
Knucklehead.
How did you feel when you realised that art could make you some money?
Grateful.
Why do so many people spend money on music yet so few buy art?
Where I am a lot of people spend money on art. At least on tattoos. Music is still a relatively unsupported industry when you think outside of signed acts.
How many tattoos do you have?
10? They’re sort of running together now…..
What makes you happy?
Forests, flowers, bugs, new leaves, kind people, bicycles, music, old architecture, bakeries, beauty, juxtaposition, funny movies, good books, and my husband, just to name a few.
What makes you sad?
People being unnecessarily cruel to each other and their environment, when we are the only species with history, introspection and free will available to us.
Sex, drugs or rock n roll?
Rock and roll and a good dose of carnal knowledge are always a good measure.
Last book you read?
Narcissus and Goldmund (Herman Hesse).
What's your favourite film?
Far Away, So Close!
Tell us a secret?
Alcohol is a depressant. If you feel bad about your life try not taking it.
Quote us your favourite song lyric?
“I want something good to die for, to make it beautiful to live.” (Queens of the Stone Age)
What time did you get up?
7am.
Any close encounters with the law?
Shoplifting as a teenager, pretty mild.
What else do you like other than art?
Cooking, reading, walking, conversation, laughter, the smell of rain, BattleStar Galactica, people singing while they walk, street carousels, public art, markets, exploring cities, being in a good community.
Any regrets?
Not a one.
Final thoughts?
You only get one life, don’t let it pass you by. Most of our misery is self-induced. And, (to quote Daniel Desario) rock and roll doesn’t come from your brains, it comes from your crotch.
Interview - Mr. Burrows 26/04/07
