About

I’m a writer and artist, maker, and lover of wild things. I’ve been an editor, art director, designer, animator, dramatist and all-round creative.

I have a degree in 3-Dimensional Design, and I’m a Fellow of The Royal Society of Arts.

My writing has been published in many literary journals and magazines as well as mainstream publications like National Geographic and The Scotsman. My book Two Lights, was nominated for the RSL Ondaatje Prize 2024.

My paintings are exhibited in several prestigious galleries in the UK. My illustrations have featured in books and magazines, as well as stage sets.

I’ve been interviewed on radio as well as by academic institutions. I’ve done many talks and readings at universities, bookshops and galleries.

But none of the above tells you who I am.

I’m a father, a son, a husband, a brother and a friend.

I love dogs, horses, slow boats, blueberries, clotted cream, Staffordshire oat cakes, hibiscus flowers, the colour tangerine, crackle glazes and Indian ink. I love rooks so much I have one tattooed on my right arm (see the illustration below).

I walk a lot and spend as much time as I can staring at stars, rivers, seas and trees.

I can’t imagine living in a world without kingfishers and robins, salmon and lionfish, red admiral butterflies and luna moths.

That’s who I am. Good to meet you!

J