Michael Isles
Minimalism and mindfulness are two descriptors that I feel work well with my photography and my other work as an education consultant in social work and mental health (following my previous career as a mental health social worker and university lecturer).
Mindfulness can be said to be the conscious awareness of the moment, my intention being to provide a space for the viewer to become absorbed in. Minimalism is perhaps summed up as an appreciation of simple forms and a recognition that, to quote a well-used adage, “less is more”.
Much of my work focuses on the built environment, taking shapes, spaces, lines and forms in contemporary architecture to instil a sense of calm and order that I hope viewers can connect with.
Introduction
My interest in photography began in the late 1970s, when I also studied the subject at a local college of arts and technology. My wish to pursue photography professionally as a contemporary art didn't come to fruition at that time for a variety of reasons, but my passion and enthusiasm remained and grew over the 40-odd years I practiced in social work and mental health, and social work education. In fact, my photographic vision and signature has developed significantly as a result of that practice, and now that I have stepped back a little from my other career, I am now able to devote the time to realising those links and experiences in my photography.
Events
- 1977-79 Photography technical certificate (C&G 744)
- 1980 (April - December) Travel around europe and the near East, exploring and photographing
- 1985-87 Social work course and qualification, paving the way to my work over the next 38 years, with direct consequences for the direction of my photography
- 1989-1990 Specialist course and qualification in mental health
- 2020 Fast-forward to the pandemic and lockdown, which served as a massive shift in both my day-job and my photography. It undoubtedly changed my focus and direction to minimalist and mindful imagery, and was the beginning of a signature style which continues to today.
Exhibitions
- March 2023 Participation in curated exhibition on photography at the Sixteen Gallery in Cheltenham
- April-May 2024 Participation in curated exhibition on abstract art at the Sixteen Gallery in Cheltenham
- September 2024 Participation in curated exhibition on landscape photography (including urban landscape) at the Mall Gallery, London
- October 2024 Group exhibition entitled ‘Elements’ with four other artists
- Jan 2024-Feb 2025 Joint exhibition entitled ‘Environmental Perspectives’ at the Gardens Gallery, Cheltenham
- July 2025 Joint exhibition entitled ‘Complementary Contrasts’ at the Spring Gallery, Cheltenham
Memberships
- Member of the Royal Photographic Society
- Nikon Professional Services Member
- Professional Member of Axis