Photo credit: Michael Christofas
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Michael ArmstrongBorn and raised in Melbourne Australia, the second of four siblings. Michael inherited his love of reading and art from his mother who used to take him to the local libraries and galleries and encouraged his drawing with gifts of sketchbooks and pencils. He spent his school years reading, drawing, painting and writing short stories; notorious at school for doodling and sketching constantly in the margin of his notebooks. Graduating in 1994 from Niddrie Secondary College with a Dux in Art and Studio Art, Michael’s year 12 work was exhibited at the National Gallery of Victoria as part of the VCE Top Arts exhibition.
Michael attended the University of Ballarat, graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts – Painting in 1997, and studied predominately under the tuition of the painters Doug Wright and Iain Reid. |
Military Service |
On graduation from university Michael explored a range of short courses and part time jobs before deciding to enlist into the Australian Army in 1998. His decision was prompted by a desire to experience life and the world before settling down and commencing serious art practice. Michael was employed in a variety of roles included Aircraft Technician (Blackhawk), Senior Military Self Defence Instructor, Signals Officer, Regimental Operations Officer and Cyber Operations specialist. He completed four operational tours (Timor, Afghanistan, Iraq and the Tactical Assault Group East Counter Terrorism Unit). He completed a range of formal training including an apprenticeship as an Aircraft Technician, officer training at the Royal Military College Duntroon, a range of specialised IT and communications courses, Workplace Assessor and Trainer, a variety of Special Forces training and a Masters of Cyber Security (UNSW).
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Masters of Arts |
Michael continued to draw and paint throughout his military career but in 2014 he recommenced formal art study, enrolling in the Masters of Arts program at the University of Southern Queensland. By reengaging with scholars and artists through the university environment, Michael aimed to expand the scope of his artistic practice and deepen his theoretical and technical mastery. He completed his Masters exhibition in 2016.
Michael moved to Canberra Australia in 2017 to set up a studio within The Australian National Capital Artists facilities in Mitchell. He continues to produce new work, mentor and teach, and exhibit regularly throughout Australia. He has also expanded his practice to include the creation of weekly YouTube videos documenting his process and teaching the techniques he has developed over his years of study and reflection. Michael is in the process of building a purpose built studio, teaching facility and accommodation within the Murrumbateman wine region, 30km north of Canberra CBD. |
Michael's CV |
Exhibitions/Publications:
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