Regional press coverage has been very positive for Neil, the Sheffield Star, Yorkshire Post and of course, the local media have been very supportive. Here is a small selection of what the papers say...
"Good teachers are gods"
Interview: Showcase Gallery, Richmond, North Yorkshire.
SG: How would you describe yourself?
NM: Professionally, I was an Advertising Art Director for many years and now I am an Artist Maker/Painter of crowds of strange people in strange places.
SG: Do you have a favourite piece of work you have created to date?
NM: No, not so much a favourite because I think that would make me smug and self satisfied which would is the beginning of the end for any artist. I can think of several seminal pieces though.
SG: How did you become an artist and was that always your aim?
NM: I don’t think anyone suddenly becomes an artist. I think you either get art or you don’t. I first became aware of art at about 3 years old when I used to listen to classical music on the radio which was always on at home whilst my mother was doing the housework. Of course I didn’t think of music as art at the time. Then I discovered visual art at infant school where I saw my first reproductions of Van Gogh, Seurat and other artists work which lined the walls of the corridors. Classical music was also played loudly just before morning assembly every day so that reinforced my musical appreciation. I love music of all genres but sadly can hardly hold a tune.
SG: What are you working on at the moment?
NM: I’m working on a series of paintings featuring crowds of people which fascinate me. In a crowd, people feel anonymous, but they are not. I find that looking at crowds is like looking at pebbles on a beach where you will always find a few gems that catch your eye.
SG: What would people be surprised to learn about you or your work?
NM: As an Advertising Art Director in the 1980’s I created the ‘People’ advertising campaign for the former Halifax Building Society. The idea was to use people to form interesting shapes to promote the Halifax’s boring products and services. Like most good ideas, it was very simple but no-one had thought of it until then. It was, what we call in the advertising business, an idea with legs because of its longevity. The pun is incidental.
SG: What memorable responses have you had to your work?
NM: The earliest memory is back at infant school again. I had painted an imaginary swan on a lake which so impressed the teacher that she paraded me around the school classrooms to show everyone. That was the first time anyone took any notice of my work and me. Good teachers are gods.
SG: What do you do when not painting/creating?
NM: I don’t.
SG: Is there anyone in particular that you think has influenced your work?
NM: Another teacher. This time it is my art teacher from secondary school. I have known Ray Worsdale since I was eleven. He is the purest, uncompromised, hidden gem of a painter I know and paints almost every day. Ray is extremely knowledgeable and passionate about art. We talk on a regular basis about art, life and the price of fish to this day.
SG: What tips would you offer to up & coming new artists?
NM: Develop a strong creative habit and a thick skin or get a proper job. Above all, dare to be different and do what the hell you like so long as you not harming yourself or anyone else. Don’t get smug and complacent if you are blessed with success.
SG: What 3 items would you take to a desert island with you?
NM: I would select some practical things such as a telescope because I am short sighted so I would still be able to see the stars and the large lense could also be detached used to light fires from the sun. I don’t do cold so I would also take an axe for building a warm, safe, weather proof shelter. Finally, I would take a medicine chest full of good wine and two crystal glasses in case girl Friday should appear. (Maths was never my strong point).
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