Mike Coker

Mike studied at the Canterbury School of Fine Arts in Ilam, Christchurch. Although his major was typo-graphic design, to be accepted into the course he completed all available art courses at Hagley Community College and therefore has a well-rounded understanding of the fine arts and the various techniques. Mike has a unique cross discipline approach to art and the development of his painting technique is testimony to this.

Mike classifies himself as a private artist, passionate about the fine arts, but with a special interest in painting, printing, and kinetic sculpture. After graduating Mike developed a successful graphic, product design and marketing company in Christchurch, New Zealand with a predominately international client base. For a period of 7 years, Mike frequently traveled to Europe and Asia to meet with his clients’ needs.

At home in Leeston, New Zealand, Mike has set up a painting studio where he is able to spend regular evenings creating new works. Mike created a process similar to designing products to create his paintings in that several works are always being developed at any given time. This method is not only invigorating but also helps to generate a good work flow.

Influences

Initially influenced by ...

University of Canterbury
BFA (Hons.), Fine Arts, Graphic Design
1999 – 2000

University of Canterbury
BFA, Typo-Graphic Design, Classics, Psychology, Art Education
1992 – 1996

Why Abstract painting? the process of working & thinking

Typical of the other landscapes that Mike has painted, the strokes of brush are broken by layered working, with over rubbing, and with graphite reworking. Mike wanted the works to have an ability to change mood as the light changed, he has therefore experimented with the treatment of various mediums such as canvas, cottons, and fine papers, and with different printing techniques, in the search for what he has wanted to express.

The layering, and consequent shadow characteristics, of Mike’s work are an interpretation of how he see our landscape being treated, whether that be enriched, abused, forgotten or poisoned. The layers are applied in such a way so that subtle lighting effects will make the work change how it presents itself to you. Mike has focused considerable energy on developing a technique that explores the visual understanding of light and position from the landscape, rather than an understanding of any detailed raw objects within. The works are also an expression of an introve...

Solo Exhibitions

2010 – Christchurch, Quiqcorp Gallery, “Out of the Fire”.
2009 – Christchurch, Quiqcorp Gallery, “New works”.
2007 – Christchurch, Art World, “Still Shifting”.
2006 – Christchurch, Art World.

Group Exhibitions

2010 – Christchurch, Quiqcorp Gallery, “I don’t, No”
2009 – Christchurch, Quiqcorp Gallery, “Queer Takes” : Other artists included Lucy Atkinson, Roger Bays, Tton, Warren Robertson, Michael Corcoran, Doug Marquet, Linda James, Paul Johns, Jane Zusters, Andy Leleisi’uao, Yi Ming Lin.