Michael J Christie

Michael was born in Paisley Scotland and spent the majority of his childhood growing up in Barrhead. He was sent to the Camphill Rudolf Steiner school in Aberdeen between the ages of 6 to 10. After leaving this school, he continued his education at the Mary Russell School in Paisley until the age of 18 years old. 

During his time at School, Michael was tutored by the Scottish artist Doreen Davis, who helped to nurture his artistic talent for portraiture and even entered him into school exhibitions, in which he successfully sold his art. He even won first prize for an artwork which featured in the front cover of the 1997 Renfrewshire Council calendar.  

After leaving school, Michael continued his studies at Reid Kerr College (West College Scotland), Paisley and completed an HND in Graphic Design during 2006. During his studies, he exhibited at the Museum of Bags and Purses in Holland, the SECC and won first prize for Paisley Student Union mureal design competition. 

Despite not continuing his graphic designer undergraduate degree studies at Dundee University,  he continued to develope his artistic abilities which has seen him exhibit at various art venues including the Kelvingrove Art Gallery, Glasgow 2019, the Unexpected Artist Gallery St Enoch Centre Glasgow,  the Glasgow Art Club 2022, the Big Art Show 2022 and 2023, Artboxy New York April 2023 and the Firefly Art Gallery Bo'ness 2022 -2023.  

As a gay artist who lives with the daily challenges of having autistic spectrum disorder, emotional unstable personality disorder and a red and green colour vision defect, this has not detered Michael from pursuing his artistic ambitions and seeking to inspire others to do what he has accomplished.

Michael continues to create new artworks and uses art as a means of helping his audience to understand how he experiences life through his artistic lense and aims to overcome stigmatising attitudes and strives for a peaceful world in which everyone can live in, free from prejudice and discrimination regadless of their background and life circumstances. 

As a gay neurodiverse artist and proud member of the LGBTAIQ+ community, my work is a vibrant tapestry woven from the threads of diverse experiences and identities. Since earning my Higher National Diploma in Graphic Design in 2006, I have embraced a wide array of artistic approaches, each serving as a unique lens through which I explore and depict the multifaceted narratives within my art.

My artistic journey has led to exhibitions at various venues, each platform offering an opportunity to connect with audiences from different walks of life. Through my work, I aim to foster a deeper understanding, tolerance, and acceptance for both the Neuroverse and LGBTQ+ communities. Every piece I create is not just an expression of personal identity but a dialogue—a bridge between worlds, inviting reflection, empathy, and connection.

Art, for me, is both a personal catharsis and a universal language. It transcends boundaries, challenges perceptions, and celebrates the beautiful complexity of the material world and human experience. I am committed to using my creative voice to inspire change, provoke thought, and contribute to a more inclusive and compassionate world.

Scotland