The artist was born in Leeds, Yorkshire and studied art there at the Jacob Kramer College of Art, followed by Cardiff College of Art and Reading University (MA). For a decade (1976-86) he worked in London and was one of the founder members of the Chisenhale Studios.

Having done some teaching in Falmouth, he moved to the county in 1987, becoming a Senior Lecturer at the Falmouth College of Art. From Falmouth he exhibits in London and around the country. In 2002 he described his Black Circle Society series of paintings as 'a gathering of voices murmuring, arguing, sharing, interrupting, listening - a constant exchange.'