Portrait of the artist as a young papier mache head...

Especially for John of Counago and Spaves a mention the Guardian's fine interview with Frank Sidebottom today here. :

What's the greatest threat to art today?

The Germans coming back and stealing it all, and then burning it.

What advice would you give a young artist just starting out?


Get some paper and pens. And forget the beret and the attic. You can do art just as well in a shed.

What work of art would you most like to own?


Peter Blake's cut-outs for the Beatles' Sgt Pepper album cover. I'd line them up in my living room to look like I had loads of mates.



What's the best advice anyone ever gave you?


My mum told me to get a proper job. I ignored her.