My work is heavily influenced by movies, music, comic books and other aspects of popular culture. I also draw upon myths, legends and folklore for inspiration.

My style is defined by the use of strong, bold lines that are often complemented by emotive colours and textures. Sometimes, I simply use shapes and patterns to evoke a sense of rhythm and mystery within a composition rather than to convey any particular meaning and I also like to explore stream-of-consciousness type techniques.

In recent times I have become enamoured with the street art scene and aspects of the burgeoning pop surrealism and lowbrow art movements and as a result I have invoked my own style that I like to refer to as urban expressionism.

I used to think that I had to get my art out there to make a living; to justify the debts I amassed while completing my tertiary qualifications. Now, I believe that creating art is something I need to do to keep me centred; to take my mind off other things. It allows me to reflect upon who I am and how I interact with the world around me. It’s become a kind of therapy in the same way that someone might challenge their mind by attempting a crossword or a jigsaw puzzle. Any other benefits are often a by-product of that process.

Tom Deacon, 26th March 2010