Norwich University College of the Arts   2008/2009

Michael Smith

For 20 years Michael Smith has been a self-taught artist working in a supported studio environment in North Norfolk. Mike has cerebral palsy and a learning disability, and was accompanied at NUCA by assistants who work with him at Barrington Farm. At the start of the scheme it was envisaged that Mike would produce a body of drawings based on life classes, which he has never experienced before. In preparation for this Mike was invited to select objects in the room and encouraged to improve his observational drawing. The latter has proved to be most interesting and challenging for both Michael and his drawing tutor. He usually draws from memory so the challenge was to encourage him to look more carefully and slowly. Michael has worked hard and produced drawings that, while they may not capture the ‘likeness’ of an object, certainly display its character, as in the woodpecker series.

In response to the AA2A scheme we set up weekly drawing classes at Barrington Farm as an introduction to the process of looking at and drawing, and to strengthen skills already developing at NUCA.

This opportunity has undoubtedly broadened and developed Michael’s artistic abilities and enabled him to experience new ways of drawing that would not normally be available to him. He has enjoyed the luxury of a fully equipped studio, new materials and time and space to allow him to truly focus and concentrate.

All the staff involved were conscious of the fact that Mike is self-taught, and concerns were raised as to whether this experience would have a negative effect on his work or constrain what he does. Mike has certainly progressed, but true to his own character and nature as an ‘outsider artist’ – he won’t follow rules and will always do and draw what he sees best.

We are hugely grateful to Wendy Mason and the team at AA2A and would also like to thank Drawing Workshop Manager Sarah Beare for her advice and support, and to everyone involved at NUCA and Barrington Farm.

Sarah Ballard Barrington Farm

Michael's AA2A story was selected for our digital publication 'Time and Space - Celebrating 10 years of AA2A schemes'. Click to open Time and Space