“There’s so much sadness out there – I want to create something that both adults and children can feel happy about,” said self-taught artist and budding philanthropist Mike Harman, during his talk to our club on Tuesday.
Mike was introduced to us by Past President Mike Talbot, who met him through bowls at the Canterbury Bowling Club.
Mike has a distinctive artistic style, creating intricate black-and-white pieces using pen and ink, occasionally adding colour with coloured pencils or digital tools. His work is inspired by many things, but especially by humanity, the natural world, and themes such as kindness and understanding. His artwork often tackles social issues like poverty, racism, and mental health, all of which he hopes to address through his art. He often comes up with the initial concepts in his dreams.
Now retired, Mike devotes much of his time to art. His journey to becoming an artist, however, was far from conventional. He began his career as a chef but quickly realized it wasn’t for him. He then explored various roles, including work in the building trade and retail management. He found the most fulfillment in jobs that allowed him to interact with people from diverse backgrounds.
A turning point came while working as a carpet fitter when he had to undergo hand surgery, leaving him off work for several months. “That was a difficult time for me… I was in a dark place,” he recalled. It was during this challenging period that he focussed on his passion for art.
During his time off, Mike conceived the “Colour Buddy” concept, which he describes as “exciting and completely unique.” He is currently in talks with potential partners about bringing his philanthropic ideas to life.
Eager to “give back to society,” Mike strives to create art that brings joy to others. “I want to counter the gloom and wake people up,” he said enthusiastically. He believes that helping others, rather than pursuing material wealth or celebrity, is his true driving force.
Over the past 25 years, Mike has created more than 500 original pieces and developed educational products for both children and adults.
Mike’s work can be divided into three main parts. The first involves digitalizing his original artwork, which can then be printed on demand onto an huge range of products, such as T-shirts and merchandising. His series of “Imagination Pictures” hide small elements, like letters that could spell the name of a club or organization, or tiny images that people can search for. These black-and-white artworks can be coloured in and have an educational, “search and find” aspect as well.
Mike also presented what he claims to be “the world’s hardest jigsaw puzzle,” covered in his intricate line drawings. Additionally, he showcased an artwork-covered cube called a “Memory Cube.” “It’s actually a board game,” he explained. The cube can be packed flat, and each of its six sides contains 16 pictures to be found within the main drawing, adding up to a total of 96 “search-and-find” images that can provide a fun, interactive activity for all ages.
The second part of Mike’s work is his original work, which could be sold, while the third part is a trilogy of books he has written over eight years. “It’s a fascinating, futuristic time travel story,” he shared.
Mike brought many of his original pieces with him for our members and guests to view as they mingled and moved around the room after dinner. Each guest also received a small sample of one of his products to take home.
With his Colour Buddy concept, Mike aims to address the widespread despair and negativity that he sees in the world. Only time will tell if he will succeed in realizing this ambitious goal.
Picture (L-R) Mike Harman (holding a Memory Cube), District 1120 Governor Brian Dunne and President Maxine Blades. Picture credit: The Rotary Club of Canterbury.
