Bio

A fourth generation Sculptor/potter, Michael has been working in clay for over 30 years and it is through this medium that he first explored sculpture.

He cast his first bronze at the age of 18 and held his first exhibition two years later when he was selected for Wellington’s prestigious ‘New Faces’ exhibition. This was the start of a number of exhibitions held through out New Zealand and included further exposure through a TVNZ documentary about his work. In the years that followed Michael set up his own pottery/gallery in Marlborough where he further developed skills and continued to produce limited edition bronze sculptures.

In 1999 Michael moved back to Nelson and worked as a designer/ production potter and also explored larger sculptural forms through the use of concrete aggregate as a primary medium.

2001: Michael moved to the Marlborough Sounds. “The Marlborough Sounds provided me with a stimulating environment on which to draw ideas and inspiration for my pieces.”

2007: With Michaels profile growing ever greater in the Nelson region and a reasonable arts infrastructure it seemed sensible to move back to Nelson and cement himself as one of the regions well known Sculptors. In doing so he and his family purchased a piece of Nelson and Upper Mouteres History, buying the Old Neudorf Hall/School. It is now his Home/Studio and work space along side the Exquisite Country Bed and Breakfast. Michael quoted, “I get to meet many interesting local and International visitors who appreciate the arts. The Moutere Hills and the farm land that surround me now has been the catalyst for some recent works, a series of 12 wood and aggregate pieces titled Cultivators 12″.

Michael his partner Jackie and daughter Poppy are enjoying the Community of Upper Moutere it is a unique part of the Nelson region, originally settled by German Immigrants in 1864. Today it retains a traditional village atmosphere. Surrounded by vineyards, hop gardens, apple orchards and berry gardens and an every growing arts community.

Visit Michael in his Studio Barn and Gallery at 252 Neudorf Road,  Gallery Open Most days 11am-5pm