As a painter, I am more influenced by writers than other painters.

I grew up in a household where the arts were a part of everyday life. Dialogue regarding writing, painting, poetry and music was our everyday; my mother sang and played the hurdy-gurdy and harp, father was a portrait painter and played the flute and organ. My grandmother on my mother's side taught me how to sing in English and think in Irish, and even our sewing machine was a Singer.

For many artists writing provides a crucial medium through which their voice can be heard and they can find expression.

Artists accomplished in one particular medium have often found inspiration in ventures into the worlds of other media, often going to a point where the media merge to approach a moment when the art of words blends with those of other storytellers.

Alan completed his art student days with an MVA from Sydney College of the Arts. As well as being an accomplished musician he has exhibited his painting and sculpture widely both in Australia and overseas.

In April Delmar Gallery in Sydney will present Acoustoopticaldinatorio (a collaboration with 40 artists who are also musicians).