Vitality Print

Michael Harris is an oil painter, song writer and world traveller from Toronto Canada. He is self taught, having never sought out formal training in art. Following a brief stint studying graphic design at college, Michael turned to travel for inspiration and adventure. Several months of immersion in the galleries and culture of Europe at 19 was followed by a year of travel in Australia at 21. At 24, to mark his transition to the ranks of professional artist, Michael took his paints and palette on a year long trip around the world - painting his way through Hong Kong, Thailand, Australia, Nepal, India, Greece, Turkey and the UK. Between trips he honed his skills as a working artist, doing everything from reproductions for an international art company and illustration to portraiture, murals and other private commissions. Michael has spent years developing his approach to painting in oils. The focus of his current work is his enigmatic and provocative figure paintings which include his sepia and silver series and his series of multiple climbing and flowing figures. Michael's work is influenced by his interest in psychology, media, consciousness studies, politics and the Integral Philosophy of Ken Wilber.