Q&A WITH ARTIST & WRITER RADICAL RHYMES

1. What or who inspired you to write poetry and take up art?

In terms of art, I think there are two distinct phases. Originally, it was the work of John Constable. I just loved the clarity, and the range (the serenity of The Haywain against the tempestuousness of Stonehenge). It played into my desire for perfection. In my second phase, it has been the post-impressionists and expressionists, and predominantly Van Gogh that has inspired me. A movement away from perfection to painting with colour and feeling. It has been a profound shift.

Poetry has been a single-phase affair. I loved reading poetry from the time I was quite young. If I was to try to narrow it down, however, I would say that it's the 17th century English poets that have most inspired me: Marvell, Lovelace, Drayton, and in particular, John Donne. Death be not Proud is an incredible poem that I revisit often. I think what I love most about this period is just the beautiful way in which language was used. Having said that, Sea Fever, by John Masefield is probably my favourite poem of all time.

2. What gave you the idea behind your first poetry/art collection?

I've been writing poetry and posting art for some time on social media, and I find the recurring theme has been the lighter and darker edges of life. I frequently find myself either trying to encourage or motivate other people or showing them that I totally understand their hopelessness and despair. My first project will be to focus on one of these two endeavours.

3. Do you have a favourite artist or writer and why? 

My favourite artist without a doubt is Vincent van Gogh (closely edging out Paul Cezanne and Frida Kahlo). I think that is about Vincent's absolute intoxification for life, and his deep frustration that others couldn't see the wondrous nature of the world and our privileged existence within it. He painted what he felt, and that, for me, is the real nature of his legacy.

I'm slightly more reluctant to name an absolute favourite writer, largely because I feel books, like songs, are often of their time - the time that they are read, rather than when they were written. If I was to cite the book that actually brought me to tears, I would say that Victor Hugo is the closest to a favourite author. Les Miserable was a life changing experience for me.

4. Do you read a lot? If so, what are you reading right now? 

My mum taught me to read when I was three, largely so that she could care for my disabled sister. It certainly did occupy my time, I've read a huge amount of books in my lifetime, and, across a wide array of genres and themes. Of course, I worked as an academic for many years, so reading was a very big part of my work. At the moment, I'm reading a biography of Friedrich Nietzsche, a reader in ethics, and the works of Ogden Nash.

5. What's your favourite book of all time?

As I mentioned above, I really feel uncomfortable declaring an absolute favourite book, but as I'm being pinned down, I will reiterate Les Miserable by Victor Hugo.

6. What other projects are you working on now?

I am working on a virtual exhibition of my artwork, writing a novel (slowly but surely) and I'm working on an autobiography.

7. What do you like most about art?

There are so many things I love about art, but I guess the foremost thing is the ability to convey an entire story in a single image. It is an expression of the soul, and a mirror for us all.

8. Where do you see yourself and your poetry and art in five years’ time? 

I would really love to have an exhibition somewhere within the next five years, and to have crafted an audience for my poetry and other writing. For me, it is about speaking to people, if I can do that, reach people with my work I will be beyond happy.

9. What one, key writing or poetry or art tip would you share? 

Work hard. Once you commit to a craft do it every day. I wouldn't say you need to be as disciplined as Chesterton, but I do believe painting and writing are like muscles that require frequent exercise.

10. What would you say to inspire young writers, artists or creatives? 

Fight against the doubt and anxiety. My experience of the world, thus far, is that many people want to talk you down or discourage you, try not to add your own voice to that cacophony. Believe you have something to say, then say it, over and over again, if necessary, until somebody hears you. In the end, they will.