“There are no jobs for artists”

Neil was born in Adelaide in 1963. From a young age, he demonstrated a passion for art, creating works during visits to his grandparents’ home in Victoria and whimsically exhibiting them on a clothesline, as if in a gallery. In 1978, his family relocated to Perth, Western Australia, seeking better career and lifestyle opportunities.

Art remained Neil’s favorite subject throughout high school, and he aspired to become a professional artist since he was just four years old. However, after graduation, the prevailing belief that “there are no jobs for artists” led him to pursue a career in graphic design instead. He successfully enrolled in the Diploma of Graphic Design course at Perth Technical College, where he was pleasantly surprised to discover that many of his lecturers were fine artists. They nurtured his painting and drawing skills while equipping him with the competencies required for graphic design.

Neil built a thriving career as a cartoonist and illustrator in Subiaco from 1990 to 2003. Despite his success in this field, he gradually shifted his focus back to fine art, driven by his desire to explore and push his own boundaries.

Over the years, Neil has embraced various fine art mediums, including printmaking, encaustic, photography, painting, life drawing, and mixed media. His ability to blend technical design skills with the emotive essence of visual art has culminated in a distinct and unique style.

Now a full-time professional artist, Neil’s primary objective in creating art is to explore and have fun. He continuously experiments with new mediums to keep his work engaging and passionate. Preferring to paint on board rather than canvas, he utilizes the robust surface to create highly textured works. He often incorporates recycled and found objects, selecting them for their texture, color, or history, which adds depth and narrative to his pieces.

Neil’s artistic journey reflects his dedication to both creativity and craftsmanship, celebrating the joy of exploration in the ever-evolving world of art.