Rob Ford

Rob in his own words discusses some of his artistic journey:

"When people ask me, 'When did you start painting? " Or, "What do you have an interest in art?" I have to answer, I simply do not know! It is something I have always done and I always felt passionate about.

When I look back on my childhood, I can remember wanting to stay late in the nursery and primary school until the end of my painting and if I remember correctly, took the specialized art of 'drawing on the walls "to a new level. Nothing is safe, carpets, tapestries, toilet rolls and much to my father because, a fantastic collage of the skin of the fruit in a hot radiator. Despite this, my family has always encouraged and supported me, it is arguably the most important for me to be an artist.

During my years at Felsted in Essex, my main interest was always in the art room. Although I was by no means the best painter or illustrator of the year, is something that I felt very confident and enthusiastic about ha.

After leaving school that continued to paint and draw and developed an interest in the history of painting. This interest led me to my apply to the local university to study a course in art. Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Delacroix and particular favorite of mine.

While in college I had the opportunity to spend every day drawing and painting, I find it frustrating and felt pressured in search of the appeal in modern art. The pop art, abstract expressionism and, as waiting for reflection and words such as "Neo-Classicism" and "Pre-Raphaelite 'were as good as banned.

This experience is something that I have shared with other artists, and perhaps it is not a bad thing, for the refusal, my interest in the history of the painting was driven forward, and I would like now to make a Mark Rothko and other abstract expressionists high on my list of favorites!

At the end of my course at the university, I wanted to find some kind of employment that make use of my abilities. Unfortunately I could not afford to take my education whatsoever, so while drawing and painting at every given opportunity, I had a go at many jobs including absorption, package delivery, waiting, gardening, office work, etc.

This situation continued until one day, while holding some art classes at a local primary school, I found a small local company that specializes in theme restaurants. My views were harassed and continuously until the director gave me the opportunity to design a mural for them. Soon he had secured a job doing what it has always wanted to make the paint.

I stayed with the company for the next few years, after which he found the confidence to start the painting of private sales. I made a study and started working from home, while commercial production of the work, murals and large-scale commissions for different companies. Fortunately I was able to spend every minute of my fascination parts dedicated to art.

When people ask me if it is difficult to earn a living from a hobby? Simply answer, "Painting has never been a hobby, it is exactly what I do!""