‘I tried working in a double-glazing factory. It was... an experience’

Jon Gubbay on memories of Venice, avoiding rush hour and mudlarking on the Thames  

Jon Gubbay: 'The greatest love of my life? The ability to paint.'

Born in 1951, Jon Gubbay's abstract cityscapes are a triumph of architectural abstraction—a path he first started out on qualifying as an interior designer in the 1970s.

What does happiness look like?
Sunshine.

Do you have any bad habits?
No. (Did I answer that too quickly?)

What was your most embarrassing moment?
Never had one.

What is your favourite smell?
Treacle.

Can you remember a favourite holiday?
Either Venice, painting, or to the USA, visiting Arizona, Utah and Colorado. 

What time did you wake up today?
7.41am. 

What was the last thing you ate?
Toast.

And drank?
Coffee.

What are you currently listening to, or reading?
Very much enjoying Mudlarking On The Thames by Lara Maiklem. 

The tools of artist Jon Gubbay's trade.

What did you want to be when you grew up?
An artist! 

What is the worst thing anyone's said to you? 
People have always very nice things to me, fortunately.

What is the worst job you ever had?
Two weeks in a double-glazing factory. It was... an experience.

And the weirdest?
Would you believe—as an orderly in the operating theatre of an eye hospital in Sydney.

Who or what is the greatest love of your life?
I'm grateful that it's the ability to paint. 

If you could talk to anyone, past, present or future, who would it be?
Either Rembrandt, Canaletto or Dali. Imagine.

Tell me a joke?
I sold them all to Tim Vine. 

Have you ever been arrested?
Only for crimes against art. (Fortunately the records are sealed.)

Have you lied since this interview began?
No, despite the obvious temptation! 

What has life taught you?
Avoid the M25 during rush hour. 

Inside the artist's studio: new work ready to exhibit.