AN artist who became famous in York for creating artwork with maggots is now enjoying great success at prestigious London art galleries.

In the 1990s, Patrick Smith became known in the city for his print work, made by letting maggots meander over etching plates to create patterns.

Patrick, 50, no longer works with maggots and now focuses on abstract expressionist landscapes which have been enthusiastically received by London art dealers.

His work was so admired at the famous Affordable Art Fair in Battersea that all five of his canvases sold out and his work is currently being exhibited at the well-respected Bridgegate Gallery and is due to be shown at Highgate Contemporary Art in January.

Patrick, of Clifton Moor, said: “It’s extremely hard to get to the Affordable Art Fair as it has an international reputation. It just does not happen.

“It’s really exciting as it’s extremely difficult to make a living as an artist, most artists end up doing other jobs.”

The recognition of his work is made more special to Patrick as he suffers from a life-threatening health condition, which ended his career as an art lecturer.

He was admitted to the York Hospital ten years ago with breathing problems and was diagnosed with sarcoidosis, a condition causing inflammation of the lungs.

He has recently managed to stabilise and cope with his illness, enabling him to set up his Tollerton Road studio, Studio 58, in 2008.

Patrick said: “I do struggle and I get extremely tired. To me, art has been a life saver. It has given me the cause to forward. I’m hoping the the triumph of what I’m achieving is a good standard bearer for other people with illnesses.”

To thank the medical team at York Hospital for finding an effective treatment for him, Patrick set up an art exhibition at the hospital earlier this year.

Patrick, who started his working life as an engineer and decided to study fine art at Leeds Metropolitan University in his late 20s, has also studied in Holland and at Huddersfield University.

He went on to lecture on painting and printmaking courses at colleges and universities across the north east of England.

For more information about Patrick’s work and the art classes he runs with his wife, Nicola Joy Smith, go to studio58.moonfruit.com