Billy Childish

On the eve of a retrospective exhibition of Billy Childish's work, called 'We Are All Phonies', which took place at the Aquarium Gallery in London at the end of 2003, Suzy Prince caught up with this charming and uncompromising artist, writer and musician.

Billy Childish is possibly the most prolific artist, writer and musician of modern times. He has recorded over 100 LPs with a large variety of bands and fellow musicians, written two novels and more than 30 volumes of poetry and painted more than 2000 paintings. As well as this, he has always supported other peoples' creativity by putting out their work, particularly with his independent press, Hangman Books.

'what I'm hoping doesn't happen is, I'll get famous instead of rich. I'd rather have it the other way round'

With such an enormous body of work, different elements will naturally appeal to different people. As a personal recommendation, I found his autobiographical novel, 'My Fault', a disturbing, brutal and beautiful read, encapsulating a warts-and-all honesty which is not unknown elsewhere, but is still very rare. He is also an exceptional live performer: whether reciting his written work or performing with his band, he is in his element on stage and it clearly shows.

Billy Childish is unconcerned about whether his work is considered original, believing that, 'Originality is of no value whatsoever. The only thing that's of value is authenticity and whether something works or not.' He has stated elsewhere that he doesn't like change, and whilst it is certainly true that his work has evolved over time, whether it be music, writing and painting, much of it remains not that far removed from his original output. Or is 'stuck, stuck, stuck' as ex-girlfriend Tracey Emin less charitably stated in respect of his art (Billy responded by formulating his Stuckist Manifesto). But that's the greater part of its appeal; the familiarity is very comforting. And while Billy resolutely refuses to pander to contemporary trends or give in to external pressures, it's fascinating to observe the changing reactions of audiences to his work. 'I've had some recognition in the last few years,' he admits. 'And that's nice and I don't mind recognition for the things that I've done, though it hasn't changed anything materially for me. I haven't made any money or anything. What I'm hoping doesn't happen is I'll get famous instead of rich. I'd rather have it the other

But generally, it seems unimportant to him whether his work is accepted or not, though he would like it to be considered valid. For as he explains, 'I don't speculate or strive for anything in my work, because that would be out of keeping with being authentic.'

This is an edited extract from a longer illustrated feature on Billy Childish which appeared in issue 2 of Nude
(Dec 03/ Jan 04).