A lot of your work is informed by scientific discovery or the wonder of science. Why is this an inspiring space for you?
I’m really interested in phenomena. Scientists are also interested in phenomena because they offer a way of revealing and analysing the world around us. Many of the most important breakthroughs in our society come about through scientific research, so it makes sense that artists would want to respond to them.
What prompted you to found the Bristol Schools Arts Fund and the other Dreamtime Fellowship, which awards a bursary of £5,000 and free studio space at Spike Island?
I get very angry thinking that art departments are only allowing kids to paint on A4 bits of photocopy paper. You've got kids submitting their GCSE work in powder paints. I wanted to support my own local secondary school by helping them to buy art materials, and then I thought maybe I could do that all across Bristol, and have a larger impact. My project, the Museum of the Moon, has toured and been very successful financially, so it made sense to use some of the profits to support the arts in my own city. In terms of the Dreamtime Fellowship, I had a space at Spike Island art studios in Bristol for about 18 years and really benefited from it. When I set up my own studio, I wanted to give back to the artist community in Bristol and also keep those connections with younger artists. So it's been mutually beneficial.