I WOULD like to thank the Rev Frank Collier for his list of questions about my painting, Sisters of Mercy (Letters, September 29).

This painting was done at a time when I was walking on the road to self-destruction, so when I saw it reproduced in The Herald it brought back some poignant memories.

The man in the painting is blind, and he is troubled because there is no-one to guide him. He is clutching a red Bible, trying to find sanctuary in the cliff-edge church, but that is now derelict.

Finally, he will be led over the edge and fall to his doom. The girls do not care and it is all a bit of fun for them.

Obviously this is not my most optimistic creation, but I am glad when something moves people to question our existence.

Peter Howson, 6 Royal Terrace, Glasgow.