Syd was a man of the moorland in the Yorkshire Moors. He had a way with animals and would make strange squeaking noises to attract foxes and other wild animals. Syd in his 40s was dying in hospital. An alien environment of white wards and disinfectant. I loved Syd for his integrity. I was in London at this time, looking at a self-portrait of Van Gogh. It looked like Syd! I felt a deep love and grief, and a curious presence filled the studio as I began to weld pieces of metal together. Without trying I found myself re-creating the portrait of Van Gogh, yet it felt as if someone else was guiding my hand – the atmosphere was alive with Syd.
