Michael shares his wonderful art works with us. And we find out more about his approach to creativity.
How do you choose what to do a picture of? Does this change depending on your mood?
My work is often guided by instinct rather than a fixed plan. I don’t always begin with a clear idea of what the final image will be. Instead, I allow mood, memory, and emotion to shape the direction of a piece. Some days I might feel drawn to something calm and expressive, while at other times my work becomes more intense or abstract. Because of this, my subject matter and style can shift quite naturally depending on how I feel in the moment.
You have lots of different styles – do you decide what style before you start or is it during the process?
I work across a range of styles, including painting, drawing, and mixed media. Rather than deciding on a style beforehand, I often discover it during the process. Materials themselves play a big role—whether it’s the fluid movement of acrylic, the softness of pastels, or the detail of pen work. Each piece becomes a conversation between the medium and my state of mind at that time.
What do you most enjoy about making art?
What I enjoy most about making art is that sense of immersion. When I’m working, everything else falls away. It allows me to focus, to process, and to create something meaningful out of what might otherwise feel overwhelming. There’s also a strong sense of fulfilment in knowing that something deeply personal can resonate with others.
How does art help you through difficult times?
Art has been particularly important in helping me through challenging times. As a neurodivergent person, I have often found the world confusing and, at times, overwhelming. Art gives me a way to make sense of that. When words don’t quite fit, visual expression allows me to explore thoughts and feelings in a different way. Even something as simple as a few marks on a page can shift perspective and open up new ways of thinking.
Why do you think creativity is important?
I believe creativity is essential, not just in art but in life. It allows us to problem-solve, to adapt, and to see beyond immediate challenges. There are moments when life doesn’t offer clear answers, and creativity becomes a way of navigating that uncertainty. For me, it has been both a grounding force and a way forward—a means of turning difficult experiences into something constructive and, hopefully, something that others can connect with as well.
