Mark Sheeky - Artist

IT WAS entering an art competition on a whim seven years ago that led Mark Sheeky to pursue his painting hobby.

The 39-year-old said he always knew he had a creative side but started out developing computer games and later writing and producing music.

But in 2004 Mark began painting by chance after he entered a Channel 4 competition and was later encouraged by a small art group to continue painting - and he hasn’t looked back since.

“My painting continued as a hobby, and in 2006 I began to spend more time painting than computer programming,” said the Crewe-based artist.

“I wrote a game Flatspace II that became a cult hit, but it became clear that I wasn't going anywhere in computers. I knew that I loved the creative side best, so I decided to become an artist instead. From my first paintings I've used oils and painted in a symbolic/surreal style. I'd not been to a gallery before my mid-30s and knew nothing about art. I found the process an exciting discovery.”

Mark paints detailed surrealist paintings, one of which is part of the Grosvenor Museum's permanent collection. He has also recently helped design artwork for the centenary celebrations of the Lyceum Theatre in Crewe.

“Lots of people compare my art to that of Dali, which irks me sometimes because I really don't have any conscious influences, “ added Mark.

“I began painting without knowing anything about art and always have tried to do my own thing, and tried to paint things that other people haven't, or didn't, or won't. Although there are parts of me in all of my paintings, many are about other people or situations I've encountered and understand, which is unusual for a surreal painter.”

But as well painting, Mark is also busy with his other passion - music.

“I began writing music at the age of 17 initially for my computer work. I've written about 15 albums, mostly electronic symphonic music, plus a wide mix including pop/rock songs and orchestral soundtracks.

“I still run my sound effects library, and much of my money comes from sound and music commissions, although I sell paintings and prints regularly, and music on iTunes and have a general entrepreneurial outlook.

“I'm single and live with my parents, painting from my bedroom studio, the cost of housing being prohibitive at the moment. I led an isolated life until I began to paint, and the years up until then fostered my imagination and turned out to be beneficial in ways I'd - ironically - never have imagined. Discovering art relatively late in life has given me a real sense of optimism about the future. The future is always better than the past and I have a quixotic feeling of destiny.”

For more information about Mark or to see more of his work, visit http://www.marksheeky.co.uk
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mark-Sheeky/75503030512 or http://www.youtube.com/user/Cornutopia?feature=mhee