
Following their visit to the Cliffe Castle exhibition I had a studio visit from some friends, including my life drawing teacher from several years ago, Sheila Maddrell. She kindly gave a succinct appraisal of my work, something that is always difficult for an artist to step back a do themselves:
'Mike is not afraid to confront the dark or horrific or sexual in humanity. By combining close observational drawing with flights
of fancy, references to art history and unexpected juxtapositions he comes up with new and often disturbing images.
The quality of line in the drawing is interesting in its searching quality and rich variety. The images need time from the viewer so more things and thoughts can reveal themselves. They can be puzzling in a good way. Giving the work poetic titles adds yet another layer to the experience of looking.'