'Universal Credit' is a sculptural self-portrait. I have depicted myself as the Virgin Mary who has been left 'on hold' by Universal Credit.

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The execution of the work is influenced by the Baroque Catholic Sculptures in Churches in Spain and Portugal, and the subject matter is autobiographical. It draws on my personal experiences of being dependant on a flawed social system and having to pay the 'phone bill while being left 'on hold'.

The consequences of the Government's bungled introduction of Universal Credit have been tragic, but the sculpture is intended to be kitsch stylised and humorous.

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To achieve this effect I have depicted myself as a Baroque Madonna in the 21st century, sitting at home in a dressing gown and curlers, on the 'phone having a fag.

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The humour of the sculpture is intended to draw the viewer into a serious issue.