I was born in the mid-60s in the beautiful market town of Kendal, set in the heart of the Lake District in England. The outdoors was a wide-open space of adventure. I would walk miles just to go see friends. Through rain, sleet, or snow, just to say hello and play for a while, then head back home by myself in the dark. My mother hardly knew where I was. Even if I did tell her where I was going, there would inevitably be a change of plan due to some small distraction. The freedom to grow up in the outdoors was priceless.
War broke out in the Falkland Islands, and there came some sort of inherent call of duty. I joined the British Army. The first year of training was painful, and the word failure was not in my vocabulary. I remember one day we were sent to the gym for a beasting six times - usually 40/45 minutes each time. That day we also accomplished a long run, including several times over the assault course and drill. We started out with some 68 recruits and graduated with a handful. After that, my military adventure took me to many places, and finally, I achieved the responsibility of Unit Commander in active service.
I've since learned that war is for criminals who can't communicate and for the not so bright to sit there and take sides while the lives of good, hard-working people go up in smoke, and they are then left with all the sadness and senses of misery that criminality has to offer.
The journey of life has taken me through many places from the Americas, Europe, Africa, and parts of Asia. I've seen the highs and lows of human existence. I have seen the best and the worst in people, from acts of courage and bravery to acts of the lowest degradation. From this, I understand that good people far outnumber the bad. Bad people can change their minds and become great people who are of value to society. I have faith in mankind because I have looked and seen it for myself firsthand. This journey is what defines me today.
My art is unique in the sense that it strips away the material world we live in and gets the audience to imagine for themselves what's going on. My art is not about me; it's about you! And what you observe for yourself. It's whatever you think and believe in what you see. I've created it to help you grow and expand your view of the game we call life. The more life experience you come into contact with, the stronger your connection will grow. It's a form of work you can keep looking at and imagine more. And that was my intention.
Understanding the difference between good people and bad people is key to surviving the game of life. Our world is a beautiful place full of happiness - you just have to look! Bad people want to put your attention on what's wrong. Good people want to put your attention on the better things. Your willingness to look broadens your understanding. The choices, right or wrong, your action and what you say, who you play with, and how you deal with others will play a part in defining who you are. The choices you make control your existence and map out your future. Every single person is responsible for their own destiny. And for the destiny of mankind, as all the ripples in the water do connect. A person can change their mind by simply changing their mind.