Visiting Local Art Galleries

I went to a somewhat local art gallery that features small artists and their work. This time that I went, they featured a creator called Mike Crispin, a 2D and 3D mixed media artist.

Mike creates fun, bright pieces of work on old, everyday items, that would otherwise go in the skip, as well as items that have washed up on shore, like driftwood and bricks. Crispin recycles these items and creates amazing pieces of work that catch the eye. The main messages that Crispin focuses on are the environment and mental health – shown with his recycling of old washed-up materials.

Using POSCA pens as one of his main art materials, he makes bold, bright lines, creating a ‘Pop-arty’ look.

I personally, love the work where he combines the pop art with human faces that are detailed. The bright colours really make the faces pop in contrast. Crispin’s work to me, looks like it’s been inspired by Keith Haring, who also focuses on using bold bright lines.

I really loved going to this art gallery that celebrates smaller artists. Mike is an artist full time, his side job is a HGV driver! And I think that this shows that anyone can be an artist, even if it’s just a hobby, or a full-time career. So, start creating, because you never know what will happen!

I also very highly recommend, going to Mike’s page and reading his ‘about’ section. It tells a battle of growth, and overcoming a life-threatening illness, that left his career and life in shambles when he lost the use of his drawing hand, and how he overcame it. After meeting him as well, he seems like a very nice person!

See more of Mike’s work here: https://mikecrispin.com/