To coincide with his work being on display at Phoenix Brighton as part of Outside In's 'Intuitive Visions: Shifting the Margins,' May's Artist of the Month is Martin Phillimore. The exhibition will run until 31 May at Phoenix Brighton and has been organised in collaboration with HOUSE Festival 2015. Martin is one of nine Outside In artists selected from a call out earlier in the year to East Sussex and Brighton based artists with a gallery on Outside In's website. His work is being exhibited alongside that of artists Aradne, Blair McCormick, John Ackhurst, Jonathan Kenneth William Pettitt, Luc Raesmith, Michelle Roberts, Paul Bellingham and Sally Ward.

When and how did you interest in art develop?

My interest in art was always there as a young child. When I was in my early twenties I became involved with illicit substances, mainly hallucinogenic, including magic mushrooms. I found myself expressing what was going on in my mind by doing many pieces of art one after another. I found the intensity of what I was producing a reflection of my subconscious and also what I was feeling from the heart.

What influences your art? Are you inspired by any other artists?

I have been influenced by artist Patrick Woodruff’s sculptures and I also like to see and meet other artists who produce art in many different mediums.

What process do you go through when you are creating a piece?

I just begin on a piece which will progressively grow. I usually find that I start on one piece and then leave it and start another. It all depends on how I feel.

What medium do you most often use and why?

I started mainly with coloured inks because I could use really fine nibs. I also found that depending on my mood – I suffer with depression and anxiety – this would be reflected in my work; would it be black or dark sepia colours?

What do you hope the viewer gets from your work?

I have not, until now, realised that my art was recognised as being of any quality, so I will be really chuffed if people come and enjoy looking at my work. This will help me to feel more confident in myself and hopefully restore and inspire me to go on and produce new work.

What has been the highlight of your artistic career?

My highlight has definitely been this exhibition! Being selected to exhibit is unreal. I am also thankful to someone who has supported me to believe that my work is amazingly different, that I do have great artistic ability. Taking this opportunity will hopefully inspire me to keep creating.

Click here to visit Martin Phillimore's Outside In online gallery. Or click here for further information on 'Intuitive Visions: Shifting the Margins.'