How did you get into art?

I can't really remember but I guess its when my wonderful parents started to buy me books to instill a love for reading in me. But I was more interested in the illustrations rather than the text. And I start emulating those pictures with bad doodles. Then it hits off from there.

How do you get inspiration for the pieces you produce?

Events that move me usually do the trick. And that can be from friends, news I read, society, the crowd in a particular place, cloud watching, etc. Its everywhere one bothers to look. Here in Singapore people are too busy buzzing around keeping up with the Jones. Many things are overlooked or ignored. Its just money money money here. 

What has been your best creation to date?

I put my best in everything I do but the one that stands out for me is the 8 episode documentary we did on trees for our local TV station here in Singapore. I usually dabble in design or illustration but producing a nature documentary is a whole new ball game for me and being able to pull it off at the end day is just cool.

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

A lot. Sheeps follow. Damn sheeps. 

Last CD you bought/downloaded/shoplifted?

Air by Bach. 

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

A mixture of feelings really. But mostly relief.

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

I guess art is not as accessible as music.

How is your local art scene?

What local art scene?

What makes you happy?

Being at home with my girl and our 5 fat cats.

What makes you sad?

Not trying.

Sex, drugs or rock n roll?

It's a good diet really...

Last book you read?

Fragile Things by Neil Gaiman.

What's your favourite soup?

Tom yum. That stuff rocks.

Tell us a secret?

I can't swim, so put me in the deep end of the ocean, I'll wail like a bitch.

Quote us your favourite song lyric?

Dream till your dreams come true - Aerosmith.

Is there a downside to being so talented?

I think theres a downside to being anything. We are humans after all. Its a matter on how much you want to down play the negative side of things. Like what Annie Lennox used to say "Some of them want to use you. Some of them want to get used by you. Some of them want to abuse you. Some of them want to be abused"

Ask yourself (and answer) a question?

Who else on this dying earth can sing like Thom Yorke?
Me after a bottle of vodka.

What's your worst habit?

Being an artist.

Any close encounters with the law?

A couple of times back when in my graffiti days. The closest was when I was filling in my last throwie and a plain clothed copper sneaked up from behind me. Shocked the hell out of me. It was like 2am or something. But I managed to escape, snatched back my ID from him while he was taking down my particulars and ran like a bitch.

What else do like other than art?

I love music, watching films, making films, getting drunk with my friends every friday night and good food.

Any regrets?

Not ridiculing a cop more when they handcuffed me in the middle of a party district.

Final thoughts?

Thank you Underspray for the interview. We at =pft= loves what you guys are doing. Cheers.

Interview - Mr. Burrows 06/03/07