radford artist Craig Everett is turning news into art, transforming old copies of the Telegraph & Argus into a 3D portrait of David Hockney.

Craig, of Thackley, uses household waste, including newspapers, tin cans and bits of plastic, to create striking ‘urban pop’ artwork.

Drawing inspiration from people and places that surrounded him growing up on Thorpe Edge estate in the 1970s and 1980s, much of Craig’s work depicts urban scenes of tower blocks, terraced streets, punks and skinheads.

There’s an anti-war strain running through some artwork, while other pieces depict iconic movie and rock stars. A colourful painting of Marilyn Monroe, inspired by Andy Warhol’s famous image, has her in a Superman vest and Mickey Mouse shoes, with shorts made from Coca Cola cans.

“I never throw anything away,” smiles Craig, 42. “I like experimenting with different materials. I’m from the Blue Peter generation, using bits and pieces to create something. For me, it’s about pushing boundaries.. I can’t see the point of sticking to the same format. Too many contemporary artists do that.

“I’m influenced by the pop art of the 1960s, but it’s moved on now. I call it ‘urban pop’.”

Craig is showcasing his work in his gallery, Solitary Confinement, at Robin Mills, Greengates. There’s an impressive mix of styles, from striking charcoal drawings of skinheads to vibrant abstract paintings, exploding with rich colours.

There’s humour in cartoon-like images, including a Mona Lisa in a hoodie top, posing like a street-gang girl, and a scallywag character based on Craig’s son.

Look closely at a portrait of writer and former drug-smuggler Howard Marks, and you’ll see thousands of little paper balls, each stuck on separately by Craig – “I did my shoulder in doing that and had to have physio,” he says – and a £5 note beneath layers of paint. Mr Marks went to see the painting when it was exhibited in Harrogate. Craig has had work exhibited in London and overseas – not bad for a self-taught artist. “Over the years I’ve taught myself different techniques,” he says. “I’ve been experimenting with 3D. It’s like creating a sculpture.”

He’s currently working on a 4m-high portrait of David Hockney, made from old copies of the T&A. He coats pieces of newspaper in PVA glue then sticks on several layers, creating a built-up effect.

“When it’s wet, you can mould it. It takes a few days to dry, then it’s rock-hard,” he says. “I’m going to put loads of fibreglass on for his hair. Hockney is a big inspiration – he’s a local lad and never stops experimenting.”

Craig, who works under the name Rourke Van Dal, has been into art since childhood – “while my mates were out playing, I’d be in my bedroom drawing” – and got into the urban art scene a decade ago, inspired by graffiti artist Banksy.

“I’m inspired by real life – it’s not all sunsets and flowers! I draw on experiences and images from my childhood,” says Craig, who went to the former Eccleshill Upper School.

“It was all blocks of flats, factory chimneys, Doc Martens and skateboards. If you weren’t a punk, you were a skinhead or mod – it was about belonging to a pack.”

For more about Craig’s artwork, or to book an appointment to visit his gallery, ring (01274) 611124 or 0791 7773989, or go to vandalart.co.uk.