About me

I love to create; in fact, I am a creative addict on a journey of self-fulfilment through the medium of art.

My journey began at a young age, when I discovered the joy of expression through art. As a child, I would spend hours engrossed in books, captivated by the intricate illustrations of old ships, majestic aircraft, and noble knights. These images sparked an early flame of creativity within me, compelling me to replicate them with my own hands. The experience was exhilarating, a dance between the pencil and the page that brought to life the worlds I so admired. In school, I found a sanctuary in the arts. I eagerly studied everything from painting and pottery to photography, each medium offering a new avenue for self-expression. However, despite my passion, I often found myself lacking the willpower to fully commit to any one discipline. Instead, my energy and focus gravitated toward competitive swimming, a sport that demanded both physical prowess and mental fortitude. Art took a back seat as I dove headfirst into the world of swimming, spending countless hours training and perfecting my strokes. For several years, I worked as a lifeguard, a job that gave me time to reflect while also allowing me to enjoy the water in a different capacity. I spent time lounging around and enjoyed the social atmosphere, but deep down, I felt a yearning that I couldn't quite articulate. Life seemed to be on hold as I navigated through this liminal space, adrift without a clear direction. At the age of 19, I made a significant decision that would alter the course of my life. I enlisted in the British Army as an infantry soldier, a choice fuelled by a desire for challenge and adventure. The rigors of military training tested my physical and mental resilience in ways I had never experienced before. Over the next three years, I served with pride, seeing active service in various locations, including Northern Ireland, the Congo / Zaire. Each experience was profound, filled with moments of camaraderie, bravery, and sometimes heart-wrenching challenges. My time in the army sculpted my character and instilled in me a discipline that I hadn’t fully realized I possessed. I emerged with an exemplary record, and as the millennium approached, I made the difficult decision to leave the military behind, carrying with me a wealth of experiences that shaped my worldview.

In 2005, my life took a profound turn when I met my wife. Our connection was effortless, a deep understanding that transcended mere words. Together, we made a bold decision to leave the familiar comforts of the UK behind and embark on an adventure that would redefine us both: a year spent travelling the world.

With nothing but backpacks strapped to our shoulders, we set off into the unknown, ready to immerse ourselves in foreign lands and diverse cultures. Each day was filled with excitement and unpredictability, a tapestry woven from the vibrant threads of our experiences. The thrill of waking up in a new city or village, with its unique rhythms and curiosities, stirred something deep within me.

As we journeyed across continents—from the overstimulating cities of America to the vast horizon of the Australian outback—I discovered that travel was not just about visiting new places; it was a transformative experience that expanded my understanding of the world. The aromas of street food, the colours of local markets, and the sounds of laughter shared with strangers became part of my very being. With every interaction, whether it was a warm smile from a local vendor or a shared meal with fellow travellers, I felt a sense of connection that I had never experienced before.

Living out of a backpack taught me the beauty of simplicity. We carried only what we needed, shedding the weight of material possessions in exchange for the richness of experience. I learned to appreciate the little things: the comfort of a hot shower after a long day of exploration, the contentment of a hearty meal enjoyed with my partner beneath a blanket of stars, and the joy of discovering hidden gems in places off the beaten path. Each moment felt significant, a reminder that life is fleeting and the world is vast.

As my wanderlust deepened, so did my desire to create and share the world through my own lens. I found myself documenting our travels through photography, capturing the sights we saw. A switch had indeed flipped within me; I wanted to craft stories that conveyed the essence of what it felt like to explore, to connect, to truly live and I wanted to do this through art.

The cultures and landscapes we encountered became sources of inspiration. I was fascinated by the traditions that shaped daily life in each country we visited—from the vibrant Pride festival in Sydney to the serene temples of Malaysia. I began to understand that every culture has its own narrative, laden with history, struggles, and triumphs and how the landscape plays its part in the story. My heart swelled with empathy as I listened to the stories of those we met, recognizing their humanity reflected in mine.

In the end, what began as an escape from the mundane evolved into a calling—a desire to become a storyteller and a creator. The year spent travelling the world with my wife was more than simply an adventure; it was a pivotal chapter that shaped my identity and purpose. The experiences and lessons gained offered me insights into the beauty of life, the importance of connection, and the urgent need for understanding across cultures.

As we returned from our travels, I carried the world within me, eager to translate my experiences into language through images that could resonate with others. This journey had ignited a passion I had never known, a mission to inspire and connect through storytelling. My quest for discovery and understanding was just beginning, and the world was waiting to be explored anew, both within and outside of myself.

Since then I have been committed to my art. The only thing more important to me is my family and when life, at times, has dealt some rubbish cards painting has kept me sane.

My artwork has been displayed at galleries in Kent, Surrey and The Mall Galleries, London, as part of group shows. I prefer not to limit myself to one medium and tend to go with my gut and paint what I am attracted to. Ultimately, I paint for myself and my own enjoyment but there is a lot of satisfaction from seeing other people’s reaction to my work.

More recently I have started to experiment with upcycling and design. I like to take old pre-loved items of furniture and give them a new lease of life. To begin with my ideas were simple paint jobs with the intention of injecting a little fun using colour but now I sometimes include structural alterations to improve the functionality and overall look. Who knows where this could lead to in the future, I am a welder fabricator by trade so my skills in this role may appear in my creative ideas at some point.

Exhibitions

Arthouse Gallery, Sittingbourne, Kent, Dec-Jan 2008 (Mixed Media Exhibition)

Corner Gallery, Carshalton Beeches, Surrey, May 2009 (Kent Coastal Exhibition)

Arthouse Gallery, Sittingbourne, Kent, Dec-Jan 2009 (Mixed Media Exhibition)

Corner Gallery, Carshalton Beeches, Surrey, Nov 2009 (Lavender Exhibition)

Corner Gallery, Carshalton Beeches, Surrey, June 2010 (My First Solo)

Mall Galleries, London SW1, 13th Oct-23rd Oct 2010 (Royal Society of Marine Artists Annual Exhibition)

Mall Galleries, London SW1, July 2013 (Guild of Aviation Artists Annual Aviation Painting of the Year Exhibition)

Mall Galleries, London SW1, July 2014 (Guild of Aviation Artists Annual Aviation Painting of the Year Exhibition)

Mall Galleries, London SW1, July 2016 (Guild of Aviation Artists Annual Aviation Painting of the Year Exhibition)

Oad Street Food and Craft Centre, summer 2016 (Various Landscape and Marine work)

The Crafty Collective, Sheerness, Kent, February 2025 ongoing. (Various paintings on full time display) here...