How did you get into art?

I was a failed town planning student, then an underground punk, then a postman, then a delivery driver, one day I looked in the newspaper, saw a thing about animation degrees, and thought "That's the fella! I'll have a crack at that!". Not having the first idea about art I got quite sucked into the arty side of animation, until I realsied I wasn't very artistic and was much better at making offensive and stupid cartoons and drawings.

How do you get inspiration for the pieces you produce?

Walking the dog always seems to help, no distractions, and only the voices in my head to concentrate on.

What has been your best creation to date?

I don't really like much of what I've done at all to be honest, but a video I did for an england song for the last world cup was a bit of an achievement.

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

I still wouldn't call what I do art, frankly. It's drawing pictures in a stupid way that someone else either can't do, or can't be bothered to do, so they pay me to do it. Which is a bonus!

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

David f&*king Shrigley. I'll say no more.

Last CD you bought/downloaded/shoplifted?

Bought: Polar Bear and the Dischord box set.
Downloaded: Tapes'n'tapes and The Gossip.
Shoplifted: Bleeeeeeeurgh! a compilation of 72 hardcore bands on one 7" in about 1993. Then someone stole it off me the week after......karma you see!

Describe your perfect day?

Wake up, the dog takes himself for a walk, Bjork makes me breakfast in bed, then she drives me to Kenilworth Road, Luton Town thrash Manure, and home in time for a massive curry, lots of fine ales and dirty sex! In the real world, however, someone ringing up out of the blue with a good challenging job to do that I can have a bit of fun with, and a cheque arriving as well.

What make you happy?

Lloyd the beagle/springer, music that I love, Adnams Broadside, people falling over comedically in the street, far too many things make me happy really.

What makes you sad?

Laziness and house music.

Why do you look so much like your dog?

Because we both walk with a limp and have terrible teeth.

Sex, drugs or rock n roll?

Rock and or roll.

Last book you read?

The Real Bettie Page.

Tell us a secret?

It was me who smashed that massive plate glass window at my parents house when I was 12. And yes the glazier was right, it wasn't a kid from accross the road with an air rifle, it was me and my cousin Ben arsing about with black widow catapults and marbles.

Whats your favourite soup?

Butternut squash (infact it's the ONLY soup I will eat).

What else do like other than art?

Shouting, football, bowling, darts, music, my home bar and whiskey.

Any regrets?

In the words to the beginning of Sweat Loaf by the Butthole Surfers. "Daddy!" "Yes son!" "What does regret mean?" "Well son, a funny thing about regret is that it's better to regret something you have done, than to regret something you haven't done! And by the way, if you see your mom this weekend, could you be sure and tell her, SATAN! SATAN! SATAN!" Wise words indeed Gibby Haynes.

Ask yourself (and answer) a question!

What's your favourite inert gas? Good question! Why it's argon, obviously!

Final thoughts...

Be good to yourseves, and each other. Obviously.

 

Interview - Mr. Burrows 25/09/06