Hello
I’m Passive the Artist AKA Mike the author of ‘A Chocolate Coated Piranha’.
I’ve just got to say that I love painting and only started doing so in the face of adversity. Enough said about that for now as you can read my story.
Until 2017 I didn’t know that I could paint, but that was the year it all began. Anyway, since then I have taught myself while developing my own style. In a relatively short space of time, I have exhibited at the Royal Festival Hall, South Bank, London, an exhibition curated by Antony Gormley, who’s own works include the Angel of the North sculpture in Gateshead. I have sold at Sotheby's, I have two permanent open-air installations at James Cook Hospital and RAF Cosford and have even painted our ex Prime Minister Boris Johnson. He had that very painting at NO.10 and loved it.
Currently I am preparing for a few more exhibitions that help people understand the mind a little more and how humanity can achieve so much by realising the connections we have.
With growing supporters behind me I have been encouraged to prepare for a nomination for the Turner Prize. This will include some very political pieces, asking some serious, profound, poignant and thought-provoking questions of our government and establishment, hence the Passive Rebellion name and movement.
I am having it drummed into me that my work will quickly rise in value as my story and work becomes more public. Not only my paintings, the books to be published of my life experiences, but also soon, my story and its coverage in the media. As such my paintings could soon become a significant investment for anyone who purchases them. While I am still a relative unknown artist, the current price for each painting reflects this. That will change so watch this space as my reputation as an artist will grow exponentially over the coming months and years.
At this time to be able to earn a living I am undertaking portrait commissions for those wishing to receive the more personal touch. I think of every painting I do as a work of art. If you would like a commissioned piece, you can reach me via the contacts page on this website.
All of my work is guaranteed so there is no risk to you, and I promise that you will love your paintings, whatever style you opt for.
Sheila V aka The Duchess
Sheila was born to be creative, and at the tender age of seven she won her first art competition, the prize was a trip to the cinema for the whole family.
Sheila left school with a string of CSE’s and one 0’Level which of course was in Art! She went on to train as a graphic artist, taking over Leo Sayer’s desk.
Then love took Sheila in a whole new direction she got married and became mother to two beautiful girls.
In 2003 the opportunity arose for Sheila to return to her 1st love “Art”. She enrolled with Harrogate collage completing a course in A ‘Level photography alongside a 2-year National Diploma in Fine Art, achieving the highest grade of triple distinction in the later.
The next few years were spent happily perfecting her style, whilst working alongside her partner in his rental business.
Sheila started to enter a few art competitions and began winning this includes “The people’s choice award” at The Prestigious Mercer Art Gallery, becoming a finalist in Britain’s got artists, and winning several Gallery awards. She was invited to exhibit at Harewood House North Yorkshire, and was resident artist at Allerton castle nr York. Life was going great till Sheila was stopped in her tracks by the devastating loss of her partner of 26 years and her world as she knew it was blown apart.
After losing her soul mate under tragic circumstances she became grief stricken her life was beyond her control, she almost lost everything but one thing she still had was her family. Sheila was able to stay at her brothers rented house whilst her house was sold. She was plunged deeper into hopelessness and lost all direction for many years.
Sheila needed to heal; she was given a book called “You can heal your life” by Louise Hay which began the process. She started meditating before she got up in the morning and last thing at night before settling to sleep. Slowly but surely a change started to take place and her life began to have meaning again. Negative thoughts turned into positive ones; a new hope began to surface. In the 2 years of covid isolation Sheila just walked and meditated daily, hours were spent in the search for peace and stability.
Sheila was now residing in the beautiful little Yorkshire town of Boroughbridge. One day whilst out walking she felt herself wanting to check out a new gallery that had just arrived in town called House of Art. Inside she met a wonderful lady called Jayne who within minutes had latched on to Sheila’s spiritual energy and so began her real healing. Sheila was introduced to Passive (aka Mike) the owner of the gallery, and between the two of them they helped Sheila to finally let go of the past and take a step forward into her future.
Sheila aka The Duchess, together with Passive are now the resident artists in “House of Art”.
Sheila is creating timeless art with a fantasy flair. Capturing the unseen potential of well know places, as well as imaginary realms through her own uniquely creative eye.
Sheila enjoys working most with acrylics using the fast-drying time of this medium to gain more flexibility in layering, allowing more texture to be applied and thus creating an almost 3D effect.