Interview with FLAUNT magazine, 2004

1. What made you decide to pursue a career in the arts rather than in, say, banks, or even sandwiches?

Well, I originally wanted to be an astronaut until the age of 9. Then I wanted to be a professional soccer player until the age of 12 and then I decided I wanted to design record covers for Adam and the Ants which was the beginning of my career path in art. Space travel, soccer and art have always been my passions. I chose art because it seemed the most sensible option.

2.Taking into account the vagaries of the human condition and whatnot, do you find art to be, overall, a fulfilling vocation?

I think the life of an artist is the best life a person can have. It affords me great happiness.

3. Did you draw much as a child? Further, (and without too much prying) what was your childhood like? Do you think the experience(s) had much to do with shaping your aesthetic?

My childhood was a happy one. Whilst I do not come from a particularly privileged background I never wanted for anything. I am the first creative person to have come from my family. I was also the first person to go to college. I have always drawn pictures of violence and strange doings ever since I was a small child. My subject matter has not changed greatly over the years.

4. Try to describe your creative process (if indeed you have one). That is, what inspires you, how you decide to best visually express said inspiration, etc.

My creative process consists of getting up in the morning, having a cup of coffee and starting work. I just try to put the hours in and usually I come up with art that I think is good.

5. Do you believe humor to be a profound sentiment? Your work often makes people laugh, and this is no small thing.

If people laugh at something then it often means that they understand it.

If people laugh at your jokes then it probably means your work is accessible. I don't go out of my way to make anyone laugh. Other people laugh at my work more than I do. I'm glad that people think I'm funny. It makes me feel clever.

6. There is also a readily apparent (and deeply clever) 'off-hand' quality to your work. This considered, what's the longest amount of time you've ever spent on a single piece? Also, do you tend to do much revision, or are most things done in a single draft?

Most things are done in a single draft, but I do leave some things half-finished and go back to them later. They are done very quickly and edited quite slowly. I make a great deal of work that gets thrown in the garbage.

7. Who are some of your favorite artists (living, dead, or otherwise)?

I've always liked Rene Magritte and Phillip Guston a great deal. I also am a great admirer of the writer Donald Barthelme. I've also always loved Joseph Conrad's books but I'm not sure his influence on me is so obvious as those I have just mentioned.

8. Was or is there a central figure you feel safe citing as a "principle influence?"

I guess not. My influences are quite eclectic.

9. Which medium do you find most conducive to articulating your aesthetic? Why is this?

Drawing is at the centre of what I do. It's the easiest way for me to express myself.

10. How much does a critic or viewer's reaction to your work effect how you feel about it?

It be lying if I said other peoples' opinions do not concern me. I think it's best to listen to everyone and try to understand each point of view.

Most of my reviews have been pretty good. I think if everyone told me I was useless all the time I'd probably give up being an artist or at least I would probably give up showing my stuff to people.

11. Given a free, balmy Sunday, how would you ideally like to spend it?

Sex, beer, food, swimming, live televised soccer, a walk along the beach, a joint and a scary movie.

12. Are you happy with the way things are?

My life is great. I wish it were so for those less fortunate than I.