I used to use a lot of words in the paintings but stopped because it created a narrative - or an answer to a question.

Some of my work is very instinctive, some of my favourite things I've ever done are just two minute sketches, nothing is better when you get it like that so quick, then other work takes months.

I don't really need to be inspired by literature though. At the end of the day it's colour and imagery moved around until it works.

If you can see a world within a portrait I would be happy with that. I don't want to tell the story with a painting, though. I'm trying to get away from the story- from the beginning and the ending.

I used to use a lot of words in the paintings but stopped because it created a narrative - or an answer to a question.

I like to listen to a lot of classical music when I'm painting, the most simplistic stuff I can find. I like simple piano.

The spirit of a painting is very hard to explain and articulate. I can't say it's not intentional because that is the mark I'm trying to hit, however I don't feel I have much control over it.