Lewis-John Henderson was given a special mention at the Griffin Art Prize 2015 prize giving for his statement.

Here it is for all to see:

As I sit in my studio, writing this, unintentionally mouthing the words to ‘Running Up That Hill’ by Kate Bush, I looking at the work I have been putting off wrapping to send to you. I feel happy with the inclusion of my work within GAP, I can easily imagine it sitting in the white walled space. Ah, but the things one could do with that space! The paintings I could make for that space! Abruptly, my daydream fades, the white walls dissolve and I am back with Kate:

And, if I only could,
I'd make a deal with God,
And I'd get him to swap our places,
Be running up that road,
Be running up that hill,
Be running up that building.
If I only could, oh...

This must be the tenth time I’ve listened to this song on repeat, maybe I should change it? Or maybe, just one more time…

Is there so much hate for the ones we love?
Tell me, we both matter, don't we?
You, it's you and me.
It's you and me won't be unhappy.

Slipping back into my daydream, I see myself working in a studio surrounded by tubs of oil paint, not tubes, but tubs! A smile crosses my face. I feel the skin of my cheeks crumple and the sensation of my soft lips moving across my hard un-brushed teeth. This brief glimpse of a life where I would be able to paint everyday fills my face with enormous joy. Surely that is the only thing that I desire. The freedom to make art with an unending supply of materials. This would be the leg up, a real boost for my practice. I’d be running up that hill with no problems.

If I only could
Be running up that hill
With no problems...

"If I only could, I'd be running up that hill.
If I only could, I'd be running up that hill."

*FADE OUT*