Things were a lot simpler in Detroit. I didn't care about anything but boyfriends.

Barack Obama's life was so much simpler in 2009. Back then he had refined the cold act of blaming others for the bad economy into an art form. Deficits? Blame Bush's tax cuts. Spending? Blame the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. No business investment? Blame Wall Street.

I think I thought it would be important for electronics as we knew it then but that was a much simpler business and electronics was mostly radio and television and the first computers.

People who put my paintings on their walls are putting their values on their walls: faith family home a simpler way of living the beauty of nature quiet tranquillity peace joy hope. They beckon you into this world that provides an alternative to your nightly news broadcast.

During the 80s and 90s we all became consumed with ourselves. In the 21st century we've come back to simpler times. People are struggling economically and this has forced them to scale back the material aspects of their lives and realise the beauty of finding the simple joy in being with the people we love.