I was born in Salisbury, Wiltshire in 1964 and spent much of my life surrounded by music. My late father, Dr Christopher Dearnley, was the organist of St Paul's Cathedral from 1968 – 1989. From an early age I have been exposed to the majesty of music and sculpture of the highest order. This has been a major underlying influence for my work as a sculptor. Twenty-five years working closely with some of the world's top saxophonists and my connections with this form of intuitive expression have given me a unique insight into my practice.

These, together with a deep love for the Masters of the past: Rodin, Michelangelo and Canova are the motivating forces behind my work. Each of these sculptors has one thing in common - they are all involved with the figure and its expressive nature, truth and beauty.