Frank Aged 59½ (after Kai aged 4)

Frank aged 59½ (after Kai aged 4)

Medium: Oil paint on linen
Size: 60 × 60 × 4 cm

As a performer, I always loved the honesty of children’s reactions. There was no guile and no pretence. If they liked you, they laughed. If they didn’t, they’d simply wander off. It was as simple as that.

This self-portrait was inspired by a drawing given to me by a young boy named Kai after one of my performances at his school. It reminded me of something we so easily lose as we grow: the freedom simply to create for the sheer pleasure of it, unconcerned with rules, technique or whether it’s good enough. This painting was my chance to savour a little of that freedom.

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There’s nothing quite as joyous as a child’s heartfelt laughter. I had the privilege of experiencing it on countless occasions during my twenty-five years performing in primary and nursery schools across Greater London.

Sadly, I’ve mislaid Kai’s original drawing since painting this picture, but I hope you enjoy this delightful drawing by another young artist, Che.