If you had to be stuck in a lift with someone, who would it be and why?

It would probably be my mother, because then I could explain to her and say sorry for all the things I’ve done that have upset her. Hopefully she would understand.

What is your biggest fear?

Going mad. It’s a fear I’ve always had and there’s not much else I’m afraid of, except sewers. Both things are big themes in my work.

Do you have any superstitions?

None at all. I haven’t got a problem with people having them, but for me, there’s enough to worry about in real life, real things.

If you could have one song on your iPod, what would it be and why?

It would be the hymn Rock of Ages, sung unaccompanied by the Plymouth Brethren. I don’t play that on my iPod, though, I tend to listen to rock, blues and punk.

What’s the most expensive thing you’ve bought not including your property?

I bought a roll of canvas for £200 from a London manufacturer, but that’s about it, I’m not a materialistic person and I live quite cheaply.

My artwork and the people I love are far more important than that.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

My old tutor, Lionel Mills, told me that because the sun is yellow and gold, shadows where the sun hasn’t penetrated will have a bluey-violet tinge. He taught me everything I needed to know about painting. The worst is “relax”. It’s pointless saying that to someone who can’t.

What’s your indulgence?

Lucozade. I love it, it’s a comfort food.

What item could you not live without?

I could live without anything. I can imagine myself in a room with nothing and I would be happy.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be and why?

I would love to be able to relax, I would be doing the same as I am now but I wouldn’t have the weight of the world on my shoulders.

Where are you next going on holiday?

I haven’t planned to go on holiday but in four years, I have a plan to go round the world, taking any form of transport available: train, horse, camel, donkey – as long as the donkey doesn’t mind – a Mississippi steamer. There’s things to see, things I’ve dreamed about.