I’m largely a figurative painter working in acrylic, pastels, charcoal, really anything that I can get my hands on. I like to experiment painting on all sorts of textures, from canvas and cardboard to slate and steel.

Growing up in South Yorkshire most of my family were either miners or steelworkers or married to miners or steelworkers and most of my work reflects that working class background. A lot of the imagery has long since disappeared, replaced by luxury apartments, gentrification and shopping malls, but the memories are still strong reflecting a time when we used to take pride in manufacturing rather than serving french fries and burgers.

I live and work in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire and I like to think that my work has some sort of social commentary running through it, from my industrial paintings through to work I’ve been creating around homelessness and mental health. I combine my sketches and experiences with my memories of growing up in that environment.