John Joseph Sheehy was born in the south west of Ireland in 1949. He immigrated to London in the 1950’s and has been living in the city ever since. From 1965 until 1989 he worked as a builder and roofer, but endured lengthy spells of unemployment. He has experienced periods of homelessness and suffered mental health problems. He first began to paint in May 1999 at the suggestion of his psychotherapist. Early attempts revealed a natural ability to conjure powerful imagery from his imagination and memory. His prolific output spans painting, sculpture, printmaking and photography, as well as writing poetry. He paints with a passionate sense of urgency that is evident in his art, and has exhibited in Germany, Norway, Somerset House, The British Museum and The Royal Academy.