About

Michael studied Fine Art Printmaking at the University of Humberside and worked for several years in graphic design before retraining as an art psychotherapist in 2010. As well as helping others express themselves through art making, he is keen to pursue a career as an artist himself creating images which are partly metaphorical and partly autobiographical.

"I am principally interested in form, colour, mark making and narrative and by simplifying shape, adjusting colour, and adding texture aim to make images which are both interesting and visually pleasing. I have always loved to draw and feel it is important for me to keep the activity of drawing very present in my paintings. I want my images to include very ‘handmade' direct marks, often scraping, sanding and scratching the painting surface to achieve this. At times my painting process is quite messy and chaotic whilst at others it is more ordered and precise. During their construction the images tend move around between these two extremes but hopefully settle at a place of balance.

Having been brought up in the North East of England and lived for many years in the North West, I am currently interested in exploring the similarities and differences of these regions which hold particular significance for me. Although I am not trying to copy what I see in front of me, I am responding to it visually, in an attempt to draw attention to what I see and feel in a fairly emotional and personal way.”