THIS TOO SHALL PASS (2023) – 100 CM X 75 CM – ACRYLIC PAINTING ON BOARD AND NEWSPAPER “This Too Shall Pass” is part of a series of memento mori paintings inspired by a Victorian edition of The Times newspaper in England. Death, a common yet deeply feared occurrence in Western culture, underscores this artwork.… Continue reading THIS TOO SHALL PASS

Doubt your doubter’s doubts

“Our doubts are traitors, and make us lose the good we oft might win, by fearing to attempt.” William Shakespeare

The artist’s view of an art exhibition

This post is to show you how glamorous my life is an artist.

The time will pass anyway.

Pass these timeless words on to someone today.

Wrestling with the 🅷EGO

Expressing your inferiority complex through the lens of the 80s muscle man on a blank canvas

Why We Don’t Feel We Can Achieve Big Goals, and What the Real Barrier Is

An wonderful guest post by Beth Raps PhD

#3 Geoff Thompson Podcast

A raw long-form conversation on FEAR with former five times world karate champion, Geoff Thompson.

#4 Love yourself like your life depends on it

The Kamal Ravikant Episode.

An Artist's reflection conversation with AI

Better than self-reflection?

SLART October 2023 Retrospective

Overview of an Artist’s October Observations

#5 The 10-Second Philosophy

Derek “The Standards Guy” Mills Episode.

SLART Critique by Jerry Saltz

Pulitzer-Prize Winning Art Critic-Style Review.

#6 Art, 90s Hip hop music & the Tao te ching

SLART Interview with Thomas Berryman TV.

#7 Finding Peace Through Art: A Journey Beyond Chronic Illness

A lovely chat with brilliant Life Coach, Janis Hough.

#8 Art and Healing: Navigating Trauma and Body Image Reflections

Podcast with Artists Tara Vatanpour & Sophie El-Homsi.

Remembering loved ones on 11/11

⏳ MEMENTO MORI ⌛

“How do I…? “ Really means “Can I have permission to…?”

No one can truly tell you HOW to do something.

#9 A bold, vulnerable conversation with Ruby Wax on Social Anxiety

The butterfly effect that almost never happened…

SLART's Artistic Fusion of Dubuffet, Shrigley, and Haring

Interview with Jessica Turner, Art Journalist*.

Weekly Art Practice #3

Finishing studio touches and new ideas.

The never ending promise of food 🍔

Even if I had a bottomless bucket of KFC it would never satiate me

March 2024 Retrospective

Inside an Artist’s March: Massive action, wellness and gratitute.

The flywheel is spinning

Weekly Art Practice #10: Embracing Rejections, Moving Forward, submitting proposals with Power and Grace.

Limitless

Obstacles of the mind.

Cause and effect: Useful habits that aren't that really useful at all

How much time would you waste to save £12.99?

Sharing my Art Practice

Studio time is precious.

A simpler art practice

Removing all chases and the most important thing, the enjoyment of creating art.

Biscuit-addled Mind

Get the kettle on. How do you take yours? Three TV sets and a splash of WhatsApp, please. On second thoughts, I’ll just have black coffee.

To Don’t List 2024

Less is more. No goals just vibes. Half of the troubles of this life can be traced to saying yes too quickly and not saying no soon enough.

SLART 2023 Retrospective

A year in the life of an artist and new father.

#14 My Internal Goliath

Making eye contact with Goliath: A Journey of Triumph Over Shyness and Social Anxiety.

#13 ̶N̶o̶t̶ Everyone ̶U̶n̶d̶e̶r̶s̶t̶a̶n̶d̶s̶ Loves House Music

With the French Superstar DJ formally known as Franck Keller Junior, now known as Francine.

Life is what happens while you are busy making other plans

A cosmic joke that you just have to ̶l̶a̶u̶g̶h̶ ̶a̶t̶ admire.

#12 Art and Music Therapy for Kidney Patients

…But it can benefit anyone. National Kidney Foundation Interview.

Time the great equaliser

Here today, gone tomorrow. The sands of time keep on ticking.

#11 Where is the edge? [of art] with Beth Raps

We were only just getting started!

#10 The Journey From Social Anxiety to Self Confidence

with Supercoach Michael Neill.

SLART November 2023 Retrospective

Notable Notions from an Artist’s November Noticings

My tuppence worth on smartphone [over] usage in modern society

It’s like walking into another room and forgetting what you came in for, but on your phone, and forever. So, stop it!

Weekly Art Practice #2

Time for renewal. Studio decluttering session.

The Art of Self-Appreciation over Comparison

No one can excel at being you like you can.

SÜẞ (2024) – 42 CM x 29.7 CM – ACRYLIC PAINT AND PENCIL ON PAPER

About the Artwork: SÜẞ “SÜẞ” is an exploration of human eye contact highlighting the theme of communication, how two individuals can share a deep, wordless exchange. The artwork’s vibrant colours and expressive forms evoke the sweetness and complexity of human interaction, inviting viewers to contemplate the unspoken emotions that pass between people. Inspired by the… Continue reading SÜẞ (2024) – 42 CM x 29.7 CM – ACRYLIC PAINT AND PENCIL ON PAPER

I AM ‘THAT’ I AM

I AM ‘THAT’ I AM (2024) – 70 CM x 50 CM – ACRYLIC PAINTING ON CANVAS As part of the Trespasso series, this piece explores the profound concept of “I Am That I Am,” capturing the sensation of losing oneself in another’s gaze. It evokes the moment when you become so immersed in someone… Continue reading I AM ‘THAT’ I AM

MENSCH

MENSCH (2024) – 42 CM x 29.7 CM – ACRYLIC PAINTING ON PAPER As part of the Trespasso series, “Mensch” employs a striking complementary colour combination of blue and orange. This piece compellingly explores the often-overlooked importance of connecting solely through eye contact, particularly in today’s screen-dominated world of 2023. Drawing inspiration from Marina Abramović’s… Continue reading MENSCH

PLEIN

PLEIN (2023) – 42 CM x 29.7 CM – ACRYLIC PAINTING ON PAPER Part of the Trespasso series, “Plein” employs my favourite blue and orange complementary colour combination. The underrated power of connecting solely through eye contact, especially in a screen-dominated world in 2023, is compellingly captured in this piece. Inspired by Marina Abramović’s 2010… Continue reading PLEIN

LOST CONNECTION

LOST CONNECTION (2023) – 40 CM x 50 CM – ACRYLIC PAINTING ON CANVAS Captured from a reference photograph, this artwork portrays my biological father observing a tiny baby boy—myself—through the sight of a circle formed by his hand. Born weighing only 3lbs, I was very small. This piece delves into the deep-seated feelings of… Continue reading LOST CONNECTION

TIME: THE GREAT EQUALISER

TIME: THE GREAT EQUALISER (2023) – 45 cm x 138 cm – OIL PAINTING ON CANVAS In this piece, the hourglass is the focal point, inspired by the symbolism of memento mori. It portrays the cycle from birth to death in an uplifting manner. This was a moving piece to create, starting with the central… Continue reading TIME: THE GREAT EQUALISER

FIGHTING WITH PICASSO

FIGHTING WITH PICASSO (2022) – 90 CM X 30 CM – OIL PAINTING ON CANVAS I painted this piece as part of a series called “Fighting with my Heroes” which explores male insecurity, inferiority and machoism. You could say that I am squaring up to Picasso as a pair of heavyweight boxers would before a… Continue reading FIGHTING WITH PICASSO

LIMITLESS

LIMITLESS (2022) – 105 CM X 105 CM – ACRYLIC PAINTING ON CANVAS Kidneyman now has the power of 4 kidneys, Donorman has fully recovered and they are both back in action, saving the world. There are no limits to what can be achieved by the duo. Nephropath has been defeated, and Shredder has had… Continue reading LIMITLESS

FIGHTING WITH MR.T

FIGHTING WITH MR.T (2022) – 122 CM X 92 CM – OIL PAINTING ON CANVAS Part of a series of paintings called ‘Fighting with my Heroes’ explores male insecurity and childhood role models. In this piece, I dominate 80s TV icon, Mr.T, whom I was a big fan of as a child. As a shy… Continue reading FIGHTING WITH MR.T

MEMENTO MORI 2

MEMENTO MORI 2 (2022) – 60 CM X 40 CM – ACRYLIC PAINTING ON CANVAS Based on the modern (blue background) UK organ donor card design, the painting is a reminder of the importance of organ donors in the lives of those in need of transplants and also reminds the viewer that we are all… Continue reading MEMENTO MORI 2

MEMENTO MORI 1

MEMENTO MORI 1 (2022) – 60 CM X 40 CM – ACRYLIC PAINTING ON CANVAS Based on the retro (orange background) UK organ donor card design, the painting is a reminder of the importance of organ donors in the lives of those in need of transplants and also reminds the viewer that we are all… Continue reading MEMENTO MORI 1

FIGHTING WITH HULK HOGAN

FIGHTING WITH HULK HOGAN (2023) – 70 CM x 100 CM – ACRYLIC PAINTING ON CANVAS Part of the “Fighting with My Heroes” series, this piece depicts me squared up against the 6-foot-8 WWF superstar Hulk Hogan, echoing the legendary standoff with Andre The Giant at WrestleMania III. Although I’m naturally sensitive and not inclined… Continue reading FIGHTING WITH HULK HOGAN

FIGHTING WITH SCHWARZENEGGER

FIGHTING WITH SCHWARZENEGGER (2022) – 80 CM x 60 CM – ACRYLIC PAINTING ON CANVAS Part of the “Fighting with My Heroes” series, this piece depicts me holding Mr. Universe, Hollywood movie star, and former Governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger, in a Full Nelson. It symbolises my affirmation that I am superior, good enough, and… Continue reading FIGHTING WITH SCHWARZENEGGER

NOT TODAY

NOT TODAY (2024) – 80 CM x 53 CM – ACRYLIC PAINTING ON CANVAS Inspired by a vivid dream in which a mob leader shoved a gun into my mouth after I had angered his wife, this piece captures the peaceful intensity of that moment. The thoughts I experienced in the dream echoed, “I’m not… Continue reading NOT TODAY

DON’T TELL ME WHAT TO DO

DON’T TELL ME WHAT TO DO (2023) – 85 CM x 100 CM – ACRYLIC PAINTING ON CANVAS “Don’t Tell Me What to Do” is a piece that reflects my frustration and defiance. Inspired by Devo, I created the puppet-like figure at the center to symbolise how I often feel trapped by societal expectations and… Continue reading DON’T TELL ME WHAT TO DO

INTERNAL WARFARE

INTERNAL WARFARE (2023) – 40 CM x 60 CM – ACRYLIC PAINTING ON CANVAS This artwork is a deeply personal tribute to my brother, a Gulf War veteran who struggled with the trauma of war and turned to alcohol to cope. On the left, I’ve depicted him as a shadowy figure sitting in darkness, both… Continue reading INTERNAL WARFARE

BOYHOOD, BROKEN

BOYHOOD, BROKEN (2023) – 55 CM x 55 CM – ACRYLIC PAINTING ON CANVAS This artwork reflects on the transition from childhood innocence to the adult world. It captures a vivid memory from my childhood, featuring me and my best friend in a garage area near my home, a place where we often hung out.… Continue reading BOYHOOD, BROKEN

PEACE AT LAST

PEACE AT LAST (2023) – 60 CM x 90 CM – ACRYLIC PAINTING ON CANVAS 10 November 2018: She was too frail to drink much water. As I sat beside her, I found myself staring into her weary blue eyes. I dipped a black sponge attached to a stick into a small plastic bowl filled… Continue reading PEACE AT LAST

MEMENTO VIVERE

MEMENTO VIVERE (2023) – 96.52 CM x 121.92 CM – ACRYLIC PAINTING ON CANVAS Memento Vivere (Remember to Live)” strikingly portrays a character trapped in a rut, who has recently realized that his mind has imprisoned him for far too long and that freedom is possible. There is a glimmer of hope that life can… Continue reading MEMENTO VIVERE

MEMENTO IGNOSCERE

MEMENTO IGNOSCERE (2023) – 80 CM x 110 CM – ACRYLIC ON CANVAS Following a heated discussion on WhatsApp with my biological father about the excessive pay of footballers and how the money could be better allocated (his view), I experienced a surge of rage. The argument underscored unresolved feelings about why he couldn’t care… Continue reading MEMENTO IGNOSCERE

OVERLOADED

OVERLOADED (2022) – 60 CM X 60 CM – ACRYLIC PAINTING ON CANVAS Although I didn’t know it at the time, I had 30 litres of excess fluid in my body as my kidneys weren’t working as they should and weren’t processing the urine needed to expel it. I had fluid in my lungs, fluid… Continue reading OVERLOADED

THE RESULTS

THE RESULTS (2022) – 30 CM X 50 CM – ACRYLIC PAINTING ON CANVAS (DIPTYCH) I was first diagnosed with chronic kidney disease in 2003, completely out of the blue, after a random blood cholesterol test. They told me my kidneys were working at 30%. I didn’t understand what this meant at the time. As… Continue reading THE RESULTS

DREI FRAGEN with Caryn Koh

Each Wednesday I ask a different artist the same three questions. This week’s featured artist is Caryn Koh, with whom I’ve had the pleasure of working on the Redcliffe Street Art Mural. We are both based at Artsite Studios. She’s a huge inspiration to me, and a little-known fact is that I had a painting… Continue reading DREI FRAGEN with Caryn Koh

DREI FRAGEN with Caryn Koh

The Cold Can’t Stop These Creative Flames 🔥

Hi, I’m SLART. I am an outsider artist, rebel and tech nerd. Here’s what you’ll find in my newsletter: → My Top-notch art → Behind-the-scenes access to my studio and art practice → Weekly advice column ‘Drei Fragen’ interviews with other successful artists → Lessons learned and personal development insights Are you interested in Art,… Continue reading The Cold Can’t Stop These Creative Flames 🔥

The Cold Can’t Stop These Creative Flames 🔥

DREI FRAGEN with Glen Pudvine

Each Wednesday I ask a different artist the same three questions. This week’s featured artist is Glen Pudvine, whose work inspired me to create my own nude self-portrait. I am a huge admirer of his art. 1. What first sparked your interest in creating art? Like most people, I think, when I was a kid… Continue reading DREI FRAGEN with Glen Pudvine

DREI FRAGEN with Glen Pudvine

Is eBay too low-brow for my contemporary art oeuvre?

When Rozza Rox Met Sir David Suchet

on a bright, crisp, autumn Sunday afternoon.

KIDNEY DISEASE ISN’T SCARY

KIDNEY DISEASE ISN’T SCARY (2022) – 60 CM X 80 CM – ACRYLIC PAINTING ON FRAMED BOARD The evil supervillain named ‘The Nethropath’ has given around 3 million people in the UK, Chronic Kidney Disease. Every day 20 people in the UK will develop kidney failure so you are our only hope in helping us… Continue reading KIDNEY DISEASE ISN’T SCARY

SHRED 4 HOURS

SHRED 4 HOURS (2022) – 40 CM X 80 CM – ACRYLIC PAINTING ON CANVAS Shredder is halfway through his 4-hour dialysis session at Lower Manhattan Dialysis Center. He’s feeling exhausted and is eager to leave as he’s got a meeting with Krang, Beebop and Rocksteady afterwards. They are investigating a collaboration with The Nephropath… Continue reading SHRED 4 HOURS

THE ANAEMIC SUPERHERO

THE ANAEMIC SUPERHERO (2022) – 60 CM X 80 CM – ACRYLIC PAINTING ON WOOD FRAMED BOARD “Very low Iron Man” is a humorous take on my previous encounter with chronic kidney failure and anaemia. Very Low Iron Man is in trouble, his blood haemoglobin is critically low and is very anaemic. He doesn’t know… Continue reading THE ANAEMIC SUPERHERO