The Artist
A few years back I suffered a near-death experience after a reckless driver crashed into me while I was cycling. My whole world was turned upside down. It was essential for me to take stock, and to re-evaluate the world and my place within it. However painful and slow my recovery was, it forced me to take a close look at myself and embrace who I am. I now choose to distance myself from the stigma of labels that the modern-day world likes to place upon us. I believe that if you open your mind and truly dare to dream you can find peace within.
Art has been a therapy to me. I am able to enjoy the process with no expectations other than the stories I portray. My art is my one personal paradigm. It is how I see the beauty in the world. It is how I capture an event and freeze it in time. I hope you enjoy my work and are able to share in the positive energy. If my journey has taught me anything it is that life is about feeding your soul. From this internal process comes the happiness that can be shared with the outside world. I am grateful for every breath.
Life
Cocky’s life story is the foundation of his inspiration. He was born in Jersey in 1970. Although spending many years away, he still views it as his spiritual home.
Cocky’s father died in 2015 after suffering for 10 years with Parkinson’s. His Mother now devotes her time to raising awareness about this cruel disease. She is Chair lady of the Parkinson’s Jersey non-profit organisation.
Cocky had a successful 25 year career in the stock market. In that time he worked with Newton Fund Managers, MFS, James Hambro and Partners before co-founding his own Asset Management Consulting practice. After his accident Cocky returned to asset management with old time friend Jamie Hambro and now focuses on his creative passions.
Cycling
Cocky’s sporting background in cycling and running led him to represent Jersey at U.K. national level in both sports. Cocky still cycles daily and has a wonderful bicycle collection, which he describes as art (especially his vintage pieces). He continues to do much work in cycling having fully funded his race team HJL in 2017 that had much success and working on other projects with his close friend Malcolm Elliott (former 2 x Tour of Britain winner, Tour de France rider-winner of the Vuelta points Jersey, Gold medal winner in the Commonwealth Games and Olympics). Cocky’s hands have been rebuilt following significant damage caused by the accident. His nerves and fingers have been re-joined with metal implants which means he has very little feeling. Despite this discomfort and loss of strength he continues to paint, play the piano, and compose.
Music
Cocky is a successful musician. He made his first record with award-winning producer Marc Mitchel in 1989. His passion led him to write music and manage artists including BLUE, Ray Quinn, Fil Straughn, and many more. He launched his Jazz club in Hampstead, London, in 2011 and used the club to promote up and coming acts, running it 100% non-profit. Cocky managed Lester Clayton. This led to Ed Sheeran playing at Cocky’s 39th and 40th birthday party. Cocky foresaw Ed Sheeren’s talent and famously said “Ed is going to be a massive name in music.” Many of the acts who performed at the Jazz Club; Antonio Lulic, Fiona Bevan, Kavelle, Ryan Keen have gone on to support Ed Sheeran on his numerous world tours. Cocky co-produced Ray Quinn’s album in New York with award-winning producer David Finck (George Michael, Rod Stuart, Elton John). Ray’s album charted at number 2 on the jazz charts.
Thanks to
The road has been bumpy, and ugly but I am finally at peace with myself and my place in the world. My love of art has been a massive part of self-discovery but without the support of the people named below I wouldn’t be where I am today. Thank you to my late Dad who is always in my heart. Also to my amazing Mum , my Brother, and my son Max. Thank you also to my late dog, Dylan who kept me alive during the darkest of hours. I miss you every single day.
Finally, thank you to my amazing friends, Kyran Bracken MBE (aka Beef), Shane Le Prevost (aka the chief), Matt Smith, Kara Tointon (aka little sister), Malcolm Elliott (aka the champ!), and Alex Richardson (from Alpecin Fenix, ``we did our best``).
