I was born in Hawera in 1961. I once had no interest in art because having seen how well some artists can do, I thought I would never be able to do it. That's history now because I was introduced to art while at Mosaic and have learnt that you don't have to be too fussy, it is still art what ever you have done at the end of the day.

Since my introduction to art and having learnt that it is easier than I thought, I have developed a greater interest in it. I usually do paintings and am inclined to do scenery, while trying my hand at abstracts from time to time.

Recent Exhibition History:

• 2005 combined artist exhibition entitled ; W O W Acrylic on Paper
• 2006 Solo Exhibition at Mosaic entitled; 'A Maiden Voyage'
• 2007, Contributing artist for 'The Real Art by Real People' exhibition, Hastings Community Art Centre.
• 2007, Contributing Artist for 'The Hawke's Bay Review'

Michaels Story

Living a Real Life (Written November 2007)

Michael has had epilepsy from an early age. He is now in his forties and boards independently in the community, working part time and attending Real People @ Mosaic, making his own artwork for sale in Mosaic's gallery. It wasn't always this way. When Michael was younger his parents and family were very concerned for his safety and he grew up in a a society that believed people with disabilities should be cared for in a safe environment, kept apart from the community.
Despite these good intentions Michael, like many other people with disabilities of his generation, missed out on many opportunities that other people grew up taking for granted. When he moved into Rowan House at the age of 28 It was a place that, like the general community, believed that keeping Michael safe was more important than helping him to be independent.

Society, Government policy and disability services have changed, and over the years Michael and the services that have supported him have been on a journey of learning to be independent and how to support a far more independent life. At Rowan, Michael learned do simple tasks such as choose and cook his own food, engage in leisure activities in the community, and do his own washing. The focus at Rowan shifted along with changing ideas in the community about what disability services should do. Michael was presented with new possibilities for his life. He attended Mosaic, where his self-confidence and other skills were fostered through exploring his own creativity. Producing his own artwork and being acknowledged as a unique individual, he learned to believe in his own abilities and to make choices for himself. New possibilities opened up in Michael's work life as well, with paid employment. All this added up to a new way of life for Michael where he could make real choices about how his life will be, and he eventually moved to board independently in the community.

Is it a better life? Recently Michael had a seizure while he was on a bus going to his work and ended up disoriented in another town, his bag missing. Thankfully, this happens rarely, and his bag was later recovered. You might question is this safe? Michael says, however, that “no way would he go back to the old days” his new life is so much better! Michael still has support, but it really is support to lead a real life, and not just protection.