Bio

I was born in the city of Stoke-On-Trent, England. I grew up in a very loving home. My parents, neither of whom were artists, nevertheless, encouraged me in my interest. It seemed I spent almost my entire childhood drawing and painting.

So, I created my own world and designed characters and storylines for my little comic books.  I would 'publish' these to self-imposed deadlines every week to my audience of one - my older brother.

We were quite poor. But oddly, I never actually realized it until many years later. I know that may sound strange. But my brother and I, were so loved and cared for by our parents that it was never relevant. We just accepted what we had. And my imagination did the rest. Only when I was older and started seeing how other people lived did I realize there was even a difference.

I didn't have much in the way of tools. A few colored pens and pencils. No sketchbook. So, I would spend a lot of time drawing on the back of long pieces of old, rolled-up wallpaper. I do remember my first sketchbook, actually. It was made for me by my Dad. The pages were from the bus company where my Dad worked, blank on one side and bus timetables on the other. A thin, chipboard cover, with shoe laces holding it together. I filled that book from beginning to end with ideas and sketches.

I packed my creative side away as I grew older. England has a way of doing that to you.

I eventually emigrated to beautiful Santa Barbara in the United States in 1988. Art was encouraged in Santa Barbara’s eclectic and spiritual community. In fact it was almost obligatory. I felt I was home. So, once there, it was followed by several years of struggling, studying and self-improving. I eventually became an Art Director for a couple of large corporations. Following that, I was a Creative Director. I also rekindled my love for painting. Probably as part of my need to reconnect with my old self. It's odd what will come out of your head after it's been bottled away for so many years.

I now live in N. Idaho. Enjoying all the spectacular scenery and nature that it has to offer