I never seem to do things by halves and my first time visiting America
was quite an experience, one that was so incredibly rewarding.

I have always done as much as possible for charitable projects through my artwork, mainly to support the work of ‘Alzheimer’s Research UK’. A team that I was proud to wear their colours but that I wished more than anything that I wouldn’t have needed to have any affiliation with.

So when I was approached by Yulia Otto to be part of an intriguing event in Montclair New Jersey that was happening in Autumn 2023 to support the Fisher Center in their fight against Alzheimer’s it was an opportunity that I wanted to really get behind. The fact that it had a connection that was so positive and that makes me smile each time I think about it was even better. The event was being hosted by James Murray from Impractical Jokers and his wife Melyssa. The crazy prank show has been running for years and it is something that I have always loved watching with my daughter, Olivia over the years. Special moments that were respite from the chaos and hurt that we both shared together. 

I created a striking piece for auction and it blew James away, with the level of detail that referenced so many hilarious moments from the episodes. To attend the event in person was a very proud moment, I still find it surreal that it actually happened. It was a wonderful experience and one that I will never forget. To see the Ghostbusters HQ and Ecto 1 rumble down the street was so cool whilst sailing past the Statue of Liberty as the sun started to set was really moving.

I didn’t think that could be surpassed but to stand there, in my finery and watch ‘LAAAARRY!’ sell to a wonderful family for just over $16,000 was one of those ‘squeeze in your back cheeks and puff out your tits’ moments. Despite this, there was no way in hell that James was ever going to get me up to dance! He lost out in the auction but then went on to commission one for his home. A special moment that I have kept private was to present him with his very own ‘Picture of Hope’.

Should you have an opportunity that you feel could be of interest please contact info@markdaviesbritishartist.co.uk