As an artist, you are an explorer, one who ventures into the unexplored regions of the cultural, psychic, and spiritual landscapes, bringing back stories and artefacts which describe your experiences there. Whilst on your expedition you may see on the horizon and mountain of an idea that you want to conquer. You can see its shape, but not the route to the top.

November and December were crazy busy with commissions and events. So, when I returned to my studio in Ukraine earlier this month, it felt like I was starting over. Painting felt unfamiliar and a little daunting. 

I discovered Aphantasia recently, and before I understood anything about it, I immediately diagnosed myself with it. Aphantasia is the inability to create mental imagery. This unfounded concern helped me realise how I can best work on new ideas.

Important information for ordering online, Christmas 2022

I had a fantastic time last weekend at my pop-up exhibition at King’s Cross Canopy Market. This market was the first place I sold my art and the community there really helped me learn about the business of Art, what customers will want and enjoy, and also helped shape what I wanted to create. So, it was incredible to be back in this space, where I was a regular trader before, amongst friendly faces in a familiar space.

I wanted to share a quick update on our fundraising efforts in Ukraine. A big thank you to all of you who donated and shared my artwork. We've raised over £5000 for local aid in Ukraine.

After a turbulent start to the year, I’m thrilled to announce a couple of shows this summer.

The war has continued for over 100 days, and despite some military successes for Ukraine, the scale of destruction and suffering is immense.

The last 10 weeks have been draining as Liuda and I moved from Ukraine to Poland and then back to the UK. I never thought a country I lived in would be invaded, however this changed 2 months ago. Now I have had some distance from this, I am seeing what it’s taught me and how it’s reaffirmed my role as an artist.

Firstly I want to say a massive thank you to everyone for their support with our fundraising efforts so far and update on our situation.

I’ve been living in Ukraine over the past year and the events of the last seven days have shaken me and my wife. Luckily the city we live in, Ivano-Frankivsk is in the West of Ukraine and is not an area that has suffered any fighting yet.

This feature was written by Elliott Whiteman, originally on https://www.sycamoreclub.co.uk/sycamore-club/mike-thebridge-interview.

I've been working on portraits more and more recently; and since lockdown began I've been painting a lot more too. I've written some of my thoughts on modern portraiture and what it means to me. When I first wrote this piece, it quickly spilled out on to the pages of my notebook as an uncontrolled stream of consciousness. I’ve left it as close to it’s original form as possible because that seemed right and true to the moment.

Have you ever wondered what goes on inside an artist’s head when they create? Are you asking what do painter’s think when they paint? This short piece exposes the inner dialogue of an artist creating a portrait painting. A bit of fun, but I often go through a roller coast of thoughts and feelings when making art. It’s better when you can fall into the work and your inner voice is silent, though this is rare and seldom enduring. Often for me, it’s like a crowd of people, with the same voice, talking over each other with conflicting advice.

I'm often asked this question, in one form or another. I've always felt being an artist was the right choice, but why this is isn't always clear. Why do I make art and what do I want the art I create to do? As I develop my practice the answers to these questions will change, here's my latest.

Here’s where to find me and my work through December

Here’s where to find me and my work this month.

I started making new work about two months ago, the initial ideas have grown, blossomed, and now the fruit is almost ripe. This new series explores ideas of consciousness and how we communicate our personal experience of this. This is an area of inquiry that has massive influence on many areas of our society and thinking, but also an area where we are only just beginning to understand the problems, let alone answer them.

Here’s where you can find me this month

I recently decided to take up portraiture. A few weeks ago, I met a talented portrait artist at a party; we drew each other, and I started on a journey. This would lead me to learn not just new drawing skills but a greater sense of understanding of how others see the world.