​Geelong Sculptors Professional Development session 1 May 2022
Michael Morgan’s Dog Rocks Studio
Batesford VIC

​By Edward Terry Guida
GSI Committee  member
 
Geelong Sculptors creative calendar started fabulously with our first professional development event. A talk by Michael Morgan.
 
Michael’s studio is located on 4 acres at the base of Dog Rocks, an ancient out crop of Devion granite. A place of historical significance in Batesford, about 17 km from Geelong.
 
A fabulous in depth and dedicated journey of Michael Morgan’s creativeness that along the way has mastered many genres of art. Always looking to expand his talents. Can’t wait…
Phil Allen, Geelong painter and sculptor
 
The first part of the presentation was held in Michael’s workshop studio and covered his history, mediums, techniques and ethos of his art. We had a short break for a delicious arvo tea and a chance to explore the work, studio and surrounds of Dog Rocks. Part two was held in the magnificent mosaic studio with further discussion of technique, ethos and visualisation concluding with a video about his work.
 
Michael’s creative journey began from early school years in drawing & photography, graduating to a love for sea and diving, purchasing a boat; presenting Michael with a broad breadth of visual wonders; encouraging further studies in painting and a spiritual journey traveling from Kashmir to Italy where he was enlightened to the mastery of mosaics.
 
Through the heartache of loss, Michael’s simply stunning mosaic wall titled ‘Tree of Life’ ignites ones own self to look within and look out to an awesome universe.
 
Another significant work involves 53 sculptured raku clay head forms in his own likeness. These took Michael one year to create and distribute underwater around the coast and bay area. He then recorded the effects of the undersea environment on the sculptures for another year. These were then exhibited with the recordings as ‘Impermanent Vessels’ showing the different life forms; seaweed, starfish, mussels etc. How some of the heads survived and others succumbed to the elements of nature.
 
Another recent work ‘Breathe On’ was exhibited at the Queenscliff Lifeboat shed at South pier. Involving 23 diving bell helmets, one year in the making and planning, and a Gothic dance moment opening performance with and arrival and receiving ceremony from Foundlings of a Worldly parallel existence.
 
As with all Michael Morgan art, the meticulous detail is thought provoking and inspiring. One year in Michael Morgan time might be a lifetime for others.
 
Overall, a wonderful insight into the interdisciplinary art of Michael Morgan.