Ian McKeever is a sculptor, painter, draughtsman, photographer and teacher. He was born into an Irish Catholic family in Withernsea, Yorkshire. In 1965 he took a place at the St Katherine's Dock Studios and it was here that he came into contact with several hugely influential artists such as Albert Irvin, Mark Boyle and Bridget Riley. In 1971 he was invited to teach at the Slade School of Fine Art and in 1981 he published his manifesto 'Black and White or How to Paint with a Hammer'. He now lives and works at his home in Hartgrove in Dorset. The abstract, almost spiritual nature of McKeever's works stems partly from his religious upbringing and partly from a discomfort with his own body. This discomfort can be overcome through painting where it is possible to step outside of the body and reach the inner self.