Do Artists Have to be Role Models?

The "role model" question has reared its head again. Instead of throwing another tantrum, I have a new answer.

Last month, I delivered a keynote speech at the Art Gallery of WA (AGWA) about my career journey from supermarket storeman to published author, and finished by answering audience questions.

One audience member asked – entirely innocently – about my appetite for being seen as a role model.

This audience member probably had no idea this was a question I had…