I am a devout catholic who is divorced, father of three adult children, a full-time artist, poet and author, of mainly Irish roots. Following separation from my former spouse, I lived alone for 5 years in the outback: at a bush retreat I still own and am always inspired by whenever I am there, a very special and isolated place abounding in birdlife, roos and emus - oh, and deep in the heart of a eucalypt forest. That period of self-imposed isolation was part of a personal spiritual quest, one that continues to bear fruit and nourishes me both in my faith and my creativity. And, naturally enough, in my outlook on life, culture and human existence. I am a very lively, talkative, at times cerebral, funny individual. But I'm shy with respect to meeting women (product of an upbringing without sisters, I suspect) even though I have two beautiful daughters and thus believe I understand the female psyche... at least, to some reasonable degree. I was an accomplished and respected academic before retiring early in a personal protest against the diminishing standards of higher education - this allied to that need to follow my inner calling to the 'wilderness'. I am also courageous, I guess, in having met and overcome the challenges of that way of being; in having faced one's inner 'demons' and desires and emerging unscathed beyond them... metaphysical territory, one might say. But that experience also gave me greater self-confidence and self-respect. Naturally. Being a capable carpenter, gardener and odd-jobs-man - coupled with the knowledge and sensibility of an artist - also made that challenge an easier one to deal with. On the practical side. And the aesthetic. That motto used as my headline actually adorns the door of my bush hermitage; it also links for me with a wonderful refrain used by a 19th-century Native American chief when writing to the US President, "All things are connected, this we know." I have many Aboriginal friends across New South Wales and know a good deal about Aboriginal culture and its enduring spiritual base - one very much akin (if not identical) to that of the Catholic faith. These days I find myself based on the coast and fulfilling public art commissions (murals and garden designs) though I am seriously considering private commissions as well - and specialising in nursery murals in peoples' homes (seeking to provide exemplary and enriching visual experiences for those innocent little minds). But I will always be returning from time to time to that bush home for replenishment and inspiration. I said I was lively; and I am... I'm especially fond of dancing (must be the Irish side), fine music and food. I'm also a good cook and find domestic chores a breeze. Nothing really fazes me - except perhaps the absurdities and meanness of spirit of city life. At heart, I'm a very peaceful spirit these days; but I'm also longing for a true and proper feminine presence, in the flesh, in my life. She would have to be bright, sunny, witty - even cheeky - talkative, courageous and loyal. And she'd have to be a good Catholic girl, of course!

Oxen