Mark also enjoys the company of his four grown up children; he teaches, gives lectures, tends his garden and allotment.

He says, “Bearing the current climate crisis in mind, I believe it’s time to re-examine our relationship with the planet and each other. What are the consequences of our culturally entrenched behaviour today? What can we do, what destructive habits can we change now to prevent further suffering or damage? Can we consistently employ our thoughts, words and deeds to bring benefit to All, not just the privileged few.

I have been arguing for some while that soon most art will be climate or environment art. To not have climate breakdown at the heart of art practice is to my mind a denial of the issue. As the world burns in front of us, most aspects of our lives will be affected no matter where we live. Our security and cost of living; how we work and get around; even how we eat will be forced to change while the consumerist juggernaut of unsustainable economic growth thunders on towards oblivion.

Let’s not forget it is us at the wheel. Let’s hope there is still time to change course or better still, stop the engine immediately, get out of the dangerous vehicle and walk away, as swiftly as we can towards a more sustainable, equitable and connected future.”