Mercury Bay Art Escape Artist Insight – Michael Harrison
Skip to main content

Made in Whitianga

Mercury Bay Art Escape Artist Insight – Michael Harrison

KN Updated
Michael Harrison, Artist standing beside two paintings

Sharing art experiences and a move to Tairua to spend more time in the studio are key motivators for Michael Harrison, a 2022 Mercury Bay Art Escape artist. Read more about Michael and his art in the second of our series of artist insights. 


Help us get the word out!

If you like this article, please share it!


Describing Michael's style

Peacefulness, beauty, colour, form and texture are important components/factors that are part of Michael Harrisons work. Colour, form and light/shade are a big part of his work. Recently Michael has found that he is introducing abstraction to his work. He particularly likes to try new things and says he wouldn't describe himself as having one style.
 
As far back as Michael can remember he has enjoyed drawing or creating things. Both of his parents were creative and had hobbies and interests in the art and craft realm and he feels fortunate that some of that creativity rubbed off. It has really only been in the past 5 years, since becoming part of local art groups, that Michael has painted seriously.
  
While world events may inform his work to some extent, he does not always feel that he has to have a plan. And Michael confesses that if he does have a plan, any plan may be subject to change at the drop of a hat! 

I enjoy letting an artwork develop it's own course. My art has grown from sharing experiences of other like-minded people and my confidence has allowed me to embark on a journey of discovery.

Michael Harrison – Mercury Bay Art Escape Artist

Studio visits are a highlight

Michael has been part of Mercury Bay Art Escape for 5 years and really looks forward to the interactions that are part of the event. He uses multiple layers, strong textures and detail along with both bright and sombre colours to enable him to reflect the power of our ever changing world. 

Having people come and visit my studio is a real joy and getting feedback is helpful. I like to know the direction I am headed in is one that is appreciated.

Michael Harrison – Mercury Bay Art Escape Artist

Mercury Bay Art Escape 2022

To find Michael and other artists opening their studios to the public in the 2022 Mercury Bay Art Escape, visit the events pages linked below to down load an event map.

Read More

Related Links

Mercury Bay Art Escape

More Event Stories

E
Events
October 17, 2025
Featured
THE SUMMER CONCERT TOUR returns to Whitianga in January 2026 with the announcement...
E
Events
October 14, 2025
The Greenstone Summer Concert Tour returns for its sixteenth year running, kicking...
CK
Cathy Klouwens
July 22, 2025
After celebrating its 10th successful event in 2025, the much-loved A Taste of Mat...
CK
Cathy Klouwens
June 11, 2025
Matariki is being celebrated on Friday 20 June in 2025. Are you unsure what Matari...
CK
Cathy Klouwens
July 22, 2025
The A Taste of Matarangi Festival 2025 has raised an impressive $15,000 to be dist...
CK
Cathy Klouwens
May 27, 2025
The Mercury Bay Model Railway Club will be adding some extra fun for the July scho...
CK
Cathy Klouwens
May 20, 2025
The Mercury Twin Cinemas is proud to announce the return of the French Film Festiv...
CK
Cathy Klouwens
May 27, 2025
This May and June, Whitianga will host the inaugural Peninsula Writers Festival, a...
CK
Cathy Klouwens
March 04, 2025
The countdown is on and excitement is building as the 10th Celebration of A Taste ...
CK
Cathy Klouwens
March 01, 2025
The committee of the iconic Whitianga Oceans Festival have announced that the even...
E
Events
March 01, 2025
Foodies and music lovers the countdown is on to A Taste of Matarangi festival on t...
CK
Cathy Klouwens
December 09, 2024
Excitement is building in Whitianga as the town prepares for the Whiti Beach Meet,...