My ability in art began and ended with my Art GCSE (grade C, in case you were curious). I’m colour-blind, and so was never going to cut it as a water-colourist or similar, although I can just about manage to create a depiction of something in pencil if I put my mind to it.

My enjoyment of art is not in its creation, though.

I get lost in art. Now if that sounds a bit wanky, then so be it, but for me there are few things as relaxing and fulfilling as looking at creations that provide pleasure through their own form – finding the hidden detail in something that at first appears simple; appreciating the talent in the creation of something that has an emotional impact; returning to favourite pieces and seeing something different each time.

I’ve never studied art, but I’ve learned a lot over the years from pursuing my own interest in it. I’ve seen Picassos in London, New York and Chicago, spent hours in The Hague viewing MC Escher’s impossible masterpieces and marvelled at Kit Williams’ fun clock in Cheltenham. Every second has been worthwhile.

Living in Birmingham, I’m surrounded by public art – one of the great pleasures of living in a big city. From the Iron Man to the now sadly destroyed Forward Statue, Birmingham’s public art never ceases to amaze and inspire. One of my favourite pieces – ‘Spirit of Enterprise‘ – is currently in storage while the Library of Birmingham is completed – which itself is an incredible work.

In this world of homogenisation – where everything is mass-produced – the opportunity to appreciate something unique is precious. Public art provides this in the most unexpected of places; ‘The Sentinel‘, for example, surely deserves a much grander ‘plinth’ than a busy suburban roundabout – but then, while its appreciation is often limited to a few sideways glances while driving towards the M6, how many people would be denied that pleasure if it was secreted away in a park? (And it does stand at one end of a former World War 2 spitfire runway.)

I’ve recently started to build my own collection of original art. Good, original art can be affordable – it’s possible to pick up original ceramics, for example, for as little as £20-£30. I bought this little bird from a pottery fair today for £25. What I love about him is that he’s simple, yet unique.

I’m also proud to own an original piece by Robert Bowers – a sculptor from Dudley whose larger works are worth a fortune and are owned by the likes of Tony Blair. I was lucky to stumble across an art exhibition where he had created some rare pieces specifically for lower end collectors – and so I snapped one up despite having barely enough in my account to cover it. It has pride of place above my writing desk.
Public art should be made as accessible as possible, so I’m going to start taking photos of public art installations and post them on here under ‘Public Art’. I’ll probably work my way around Birmingham first of all, although it will provide me with more motivation to actively seek out other art that’s ‘off the beaten track’.Yesterday, I visited an exhibition in Oakham entitled ‘Favourite Haunts’ by Philip Dawson. It’s on at the Victoria Hall Gallery until May 12th, featuring beautiful, colourful depictions of the artist’s favourite haunts around Rutland and beyond. It was a pleasure to see such talent on display.

And finally, if you’re ever in Birmingham, do check out the Ikon Gallery – a wonderful gallery comprising two floors that often contain challenging, thought-provoking, beautiful art.

What better antidote to the stress of the modern world?