In one of the gardens he was captivated by Auguste Rodin's bronze sculpture of six men in chains – the famous Burghers of Calais.

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Dean, now 32, realised his real passion was for sculpture and pledged to give up his 15-year job as a welder-fabricator.

The dad-of-one said: "We were working on the tube at night, under the esculators. It was disgusting as we were working amongst all the human filth which had dropped through the stairs.

"I saw the statues and they inspired me. I'd left school at 15 without any qualifications and just fell into the job.
"I had to sell my house and put my money into becoming a sculptor."

The self-taught artist toiled to make a living. He was helped by finding cheap studio space at Beaver Studios in Hunslet run by the East Street Arts collective which promotes local talent.

Four years later his bold move has been rewarded after his most recent effort, Attachment, was picked for the Leeds City Art Gallery's 2008 Open Show.

The fired ceramic piece shows a 'Hoodie' wearing sunglasses, holding a human skull in his outstretched arm and is comment on today's "uncaring society" according to Dean.

It was one of only two sculptures picked by the panel of judges for the show which runs until August 10.

Dean said: "It's great being in the show. It's my first time and it makes it's extra special to know that my sculpture is only down the corridor from one of Rodin's, The Age of Bronze, which is also in the gallery."

For now Dean continues to work in small studio, crafting his clay models before firing them in a kiln.

The former Matthew Murray pupil added: "I couldn't have done this without the support of East Street Arts."

More than 600 have already voted for your favourite work in the YEP's People's Choice competition.

Voting slips are available in the Lyons Galleries and the winner will be announced early next month.