Artist 

Michael’s current work explores aesthetics, space, and colour through painting. While primarily examining themes of short term / working memory, meditative reflection, and the  interplay of positive and negative space in a composition. 

After a decade in Education, he has moved away from representational drawing, and focuses on semi abstract imagery. The slow process of painting and minimal brush contact with the canvas, are deliberate, as the mark making leads the viewer to engage with the work in an “up close” manner.

From the 73,000 years ago (San tribe, Namibia), The First people of Australia (65,000), or Neolithic Art in Ireland (3,500 BC), there is a visual language which attempts to reflect, record, and communicate the experiences of their time. Taking influence from primitive cultures, the use of dot is the central focus of the marking making and image exploration. While pointillist in appearance, it is the artist’s intent to employ semi representational imagery/symbols/artistic conventions for the viewer to initially explore the work. It is an invitation to invest time and explore the work in a meditative/reflective manner.

Musician

Selected Discography

“Cherrie, Me & HIV” OST - BBC NI True North documentary, (available on BBC iPlayer).

“Gone Viral“ theme, funded by Northern Ireland Screen short film, which is currently in development for a comedy series

“Fur & feathers“ by Mad Dog - Children’s read-along songbook

“Collaboration One (Sound)” by Diplomat - Album & Photobook

Associated acts; -
Tomorrows / The Chapters / Padraig Digan / Barry McCormack / John Hegarty / Tony Fitz / Biggles flys Again

Supported Chuck Berry, Neil Young, Kelly Rowland (Destiny’s child), Shane McGowan, Glen Hansard (The Frames), Mick Jones (The Clash), Westlife, Andy Irvine,The Coronas, The Bluetones, and a variety of Irish/international acts

Educator

Michael has focused on building multi-disciplinary learning opportunities and relationships with learners in Post Primary to Third Level Education. Since 2018, Michael has demonstrated a commitment to delivering comprehensive educational experiences from Primary, Post Primary, Special schools, and third-level institutions. The themes of equity, respect, and inclusion have always been a key aspect of his pedagogy.