By VANESSA VALENZUELA
MICHAEL Shiell’s environmental art has the power to change the way people think.
The 40-year-old from Braybrook is an artist researcher who creates public artwork that explores the environment through creative techniques and natural materials.
Michael, who was a “crazy maths and science geek” in high school, said he took up painting after leaving a science-related university course he didn’t enjoy.
Michael decided to enrol in an arts course after being encouraged by a friend.
“I went to uni because my understanding of art was pretty limited and my practice was high in detail and watercolour painting, which wasn’t really expressive,” he said.
During his course, Michael discovered an interest in public and environment art after listening to guest lecturer Professor David Harding from the Glasgow School of Art.
“It blew my mind and took my work in a whole new direction with so much more public art projects and working with the communities.”
With a passion for being outdoors, Michael’s short-lived works reflect their surroundings and leave minimal environmental impact.
“Nearly 100 per cent of my work is made with natural materials like sticks and stones,” Michael said.
“When you use those materials to make an onsite work, they will generally sit in their space very well.
“Quite often, people might walk across it three of four times before they actually notice.”
“It’s free and loose because there is no preciousness about the materials and people can approach it much more openly.”
Michael’s latest artwork is on display at the Sunshine Art Spaces at 2 City Place in Sunshine.
For more information about visit www.michaelshiell.com.au.
