As an artist I am motivated by the pure pleasure and the constant challenges of painting. By offering an alternative presentation of the recognisable my intention is to provoke an emotional response.

For me, the success of a painting depends, not so much on the subject, but on how the viewer relates to it. With this in mind I tend to choose familiar, everyday subjects. My images become constructions of a moment passed, rather than fleeting snapshots. I paint what I know. And the end product, while autobiographical, is also the stuff of collaborative experience.

I think one of the important functions of an artists is to extract an element of surprise from the everyday. My subjects are the local dairy, a petrol station or a fish and chip shop. The cars in my often paintings are mine or friends', and my props are often purchased from the local second hand dealer or supermarket.

A strong narrative runs through much of my work, stopping short of telling the whole story, but creating a recognisable framework for viewers to tell their own stories.

Influences on my work vary. In my previous career as a sign writer, screen printer and graphic artist, I worked with many of the great corporate logos and often use them in my art today. The logos of Disney, Shell, Ford and Pepsi are used in my paintings to make a statement. I see the Coca cola logo, in particular, as the ultimate iconic design. Strong symbols like these transform my work into an advertisement for the subject of the painting, much like a TV or magazine advertisement without text.

The move from commercial sign writer to careers artist has been challenging and not without difficulty. To go from a fully supported, full-on employment in a team environment to self/employed artist working in isolation requires a certain amount of confidence and self-belief. Leaping into the unknown forces you to draw on inner strength and resources. You have to dig deep to maintain fortitude, discipline, routine and freshness of vision. You get to know yourself more fully and come to a greater understanding of the notion that the journey is more important than the destination.

Working in isolation sharpens you focus and allows you to develop all the facets of an artist's life. The drawing and painting process and the collaboration between artists, model and mentor in pursuit of a successful image provide satisfaction and fulfillment. A two way process exists between an artist and his work. The more he values life, the more is work reflects that value.