I got the usual GCSEs and A-level art at school and then did a National Diploma in Art and Design in the early 90s. Afterwards, I went on to do a BA honours in Scientific and Natural History Illustration. When I graduated, I spent a few years as a design studio manager (graphic design), however, I always painted in my spare time. In 2006 I decided to take the plunge and become a full-time artist after a few galleries were interested in my 'Bobblehead' paintings. I've been painting the Bobbleheads since then and have probably sold over 2000 paintings. I love being creative, it's a passion and I always want to learn something new every day.
The ArtDrop (which will be revealed on November 10) is titled “Keepers of the new world” and the tagline is: “Is this the future, or is it the distant past”. It was created with Blender, Sketchbook, and Photoshop and would be classed as a mixture of 3D, Sci-Fi/Fantasy art.
When it comes to the idea behind the piece: I never really plan anything out and just like to go with the flow. Although I usually have a rough idea in my head of what I want to accomplish. With 'keepers of the new world', I had an idea about 'what if the human race went extinct and the new guardians for the earth were the dolphins or similar. Or maybe it already happened in the past, but the greed and selfishness of humanity soon overwhelmed the keepers which also lead to humanity's ultimate destruction. It sounds a bit convoluted and I have a hard time explaining my thoughts, but that's about the gist of it.
I've always been inspired by sci-fi fantasy art, but never really had the chance to become involved in it until I started learning 3D and digital. Seeing all of the amazing artists in this space inspires me greatly to keep working and to keep enjoying it.
The inspiration for my other work 'The Bobbleheads' comes mainly from love and romance. The incredible love that two people can have for each other and the adventures in life that it leads to.
The reason I got into NFTs, is a conversation with a techy friend of mine back in March. I had never heard of NFTs or the blockchain, so decided to do some reading up and realised that it could be another platform to show or possibly sell my art through. Also, the whole community has been great from day one and back then I made a decision to stay, even if never sold a thing. It's totally changed my life workwise and I'm so glad that I decided to stay. Being involved with the NFT space has reignited my fire for creativity and taken me to a place that I would never have gone before with 3D/digital art. I absolutely love it and each day brings something new.
My plans going forward are to keep on working (as I always have) and keep being inspired and hopefully inspire others. To become well-known would be amazing, but right now, I'm just loving the creative process and will continue to do so no matter what happens.
