Mike Coker
Location:
New Zealand
I classify myself as a private artist, passionate about the fine arts, but with a special interest in painting, printing, and kinetic sculpture. I studied at the School of Fine Arts, University of Canterbury where I graduated in 1996 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts majoring in Typo-Graphic Design. From there I was employed for two years as the graphic designer and printers assistant for a Westport printery. In 1999 I returned to the University of Canterbury and completed an Honors years in Typo-Graphic Design.
Since graduating I have developed a successful graphic, product design and marketing company in Christchurch with a predominately international client base. I frequently travel to Europe and Asia to meet my clients needs. At home I have set up a permanent painting studio where I am able to spend regular evenings creating new works. I use a process similar to designing products to create my 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.
Process of working & thinking
Typical of the other landscapes that I have painted, the strokes of brush are broken by layered working, with over rubbing, and with graphite reworking. I wanted the works to have an ability to change mood as the light changed so I have experimented with the treatment of various mediums such as canvas, cottons, and fine papers, and with different printing techniques, in the search for what I have wanted to express.
The layering, and consequent shadow characteristics, of my work are an interpretation of how I 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. I have 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 introverted personality, something that I am. These works explore both the dark and interior aspects of that world while also embodying the riches and excitement of life. My current works are primarily broken into simplified visual fields that are in each part representative of either earth or ocean, and atmosphere.
"By simplifying the visual, I've focused more energy on developing a technique that explores visual understanding that is light and position from the work based, rather than an understanding of the raw objects within. I create works that explore individuality, within an introverted world which is somewhat dark and interior, while it also embodies riches of life and excitement. Only its within a form that is layered and somewhat closed from public view, therefore in this way the works that I have created change as you change the light that is shone upon them, highlighting the individual nature of the people of our world as much as differing aspects within nature".
Works are signed: MAJ Coker
Education
University of Canterbury
BFA (Hons.), Fine Arts, Graphic Design
1999 – 2000
University of Canterbury
BFA, Typo-Graphic Design, Classics, Psychology, Art Education
1992 – 1996
Awards
3 x Gold Medal, Pride in Print 2009 - Godley Gifts Bookset
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