Michael Sole British, b. 1985

Michael, a graduate of Wimbledon College of Art with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 2008, has since established himself as a prominent artist. His work has graced both group and solo exhibitions in England, France, and the United States. Notably, he received the "Young Artist of the Year" accolade from the Royal Society of Marine Artists in 2009 and 2010, solidifying his reputation as a promising talent. Over the years, Michael has garnered recognition for his artistry, from being a contender for the 'Threadneedle Prize' in 2012 to securing the 'Arts Club Charitable Trust Award' in 2013.

 

Michael's artistic journey revolves around his profound connection to nature and the reimagining of traditional painting within natural landscapes. He immerses himself in the wilderness for extended periods, allowing him to infuse his experiences, thoughts, and the essence of the outdoors into his studio work. His art is a visceral response to the energy of nature, particularly in extreme conditions like storms. Through unconventional techniques such as dripping, pouring, and shaking, he aims to capture the raw power and atmosphere of these environments, letting the paint's characteristics create organic patterns and marks.

 

Furthermore, Michael seeks to achieve a state of 'Involuntaryism' in his art. This concept involves allowing the artist's accumulated knowledge to manifest instinctively in the application of various materials. The artist guides the paint and canvas to enhance organic textures and marks, with the ultimate goal of letting the painting take on a life of its own. This approach, along with his recent exploration of the fusion of the artist's presence with the artwork itself, defines Michael's unique and evolving artistic vision.