MIKE NICOLL

Art has always been a part of me. I vaguely remember the colouring books of my infancy in Switzerland; later, in Edinburgh, those books were substituted for my father's architectural drawings; and then, via art college in Berlin, drawing and design became part of my career in advertising. But, it wasn't until I was confronted with the distinct possibility of my imminent demise that I decided that fine art, without any lines or rules attached, was now the only way forward. On Tuesday the 12th of May 2009 I underwent a major procedure to remove a malignant tumour. And with it the surgeon also cut out any lingering doubt about my wanting to be an artist... I find inspiration all around me, often in the most obscure places, and at the most inopportune moments. And given that I am not really partial to multitasking (if you're going to do something, do it properly), I will take that initial blip of an idea and let it fester. If it's any good it will grow and take shape, and if it isn't it..