An art studio is supposed to be where the “serious” work happens—but anyone who’s ever made anything knows the truth is much funnier. In the spirit of Self‑Portrait as a Coffee Pot, the studio becomes a place where creative chaos, questionable ideas, and accidental brilliance all collide. Think talking to your coffee pot like it’s a trusted assistant, making warm‑up drawings that look like confused stick figures, or setting up a still life that collapses the moment you turn around. These so‑called “stupid” moments aren’t mistakes—they’re the fuel that keeps creativity alive.

Discover how vibrant contemporary art can brighten the winter season through my large‑scale painting After the Plague Party in Technicolour. This expressive artwork bursts with bold hues and dynamic brushwork, offering a visual antidote to the grey chill of winter. The piece celebrates rebirth after difficult times—inviting viewers to find warmth and creative energy in colour itself. Explore how contemporary art transforms cold months into a season of inspiration. From rich pigments to sweeping gestures, After the Plague Party in Technicolour embodies the power of colour therapy and emotional expression. 

As an artist, inspiration often arrives in unexpected ways. Sometimes it’s a color in nature, other times it’s a story that lingers long after the last page. Books open doors to new ideas, emotions, and perspectives—and for me, they often spark the beginnings of a painting. Stories that explore time, identity, and human connection have a way of staying with us long after we finish the final page. These novels bend timelines, blur memory, and reveal the quiet emotional threads that shape our lives. In this reading list, I highlight books that use inventive structures, layered characters, and lyrical writing.