Stephen Morris

I went to an art school when I was thirteen years old. I was a misfit there but I remember having the idealistic notion of myself living in the South of France as an artist. This I now do and I work at my art each day.
Between school and the South of France I lived as a creative artist for most of the time. I have sired four children, experienced two terrible car crashes, fought off cancer, have been politically active, travelled the world, published books, had exhibitions of my work, have been through a divorce, flirted with drugs, slipped into the abyss of alcohol and dragged myself out and have looked for happiness. I read a great deal, watch films, love music and each day is a miracle. So nothing unusual here perhaps but I do live with the paradox of being a socialist and living in a capitalist world.
My life experiences I know are reflected in my work. I believe that art should say something directly. It should challenge, be inspirational, informative and be reflective of our society, sociologically, pyschologically, politically and philosophically. I also feel that some emotional involvement would be ideal but perhaps I ask too much. The artist should also I feel, be able to express himself both verbally and through the written word. Art, in my opinion is too important to be in the hands of installationists, pseudo intellectuals and the untalented.