I have been painting in Edinburgh since 1981 and whilst attending Edinburgh College of Art I became ill. My work has been shaped by this, closely relating it to Art Brut and 'Outsider' art. I work from a studio in WASPS. In the past I have worked in day centres both on a paid and voluntary basis, being influenced by artwork I have encountered there. I also consider regular visits to the Gallery of Modern Art and Dean Gallery in Edinburgh, amongst others to be a major influence.