Michael Cunliffe is a British artist, illustrator, and dedicated Creative Health practitioner whose work explores the intersection of dark narrative art and mental well-being. Based in the North East of England, Michael balances a personal practice in oil and digital painting with work participatory, strategic and research work in the field of creative health.
Growing up influenced by a steady diet of comics, monster movies, and fantasy novels, he was drawn to the darker end of surrealism, complimenting illustrations for games and fiction with personal works that use automatic drawing and pareidolia—the tendency to perceive meaningful images in random patterns—to uncover hidden narratives.
It was perhaps inevitable that this interest in the interplay of mind and imagery would lead him to work in the field of arts for mental health, developing participatory programmes and projects to support health and wellbeing with museums, the NHS and the local government through his work with North Tyneside Art Studio. From this hands-on experience, he moved into research and strategic work, influencing public health policy, speaking at conferences and representing the North East on a national stage.
This dual identity as artist and strategist allows him to bridge the gap between grassroots creative practice and organisations, championing the transformative power of art for individuals, communities and businesses.
Contact him by email at michael@dreamsofego.com or connect on social media @dreamsofego