Michael Osborne
The Artist From the Coast
by Philip Bugahod
It all began on a small island on the Lower North Shore of Quebec called Harrington Harbour. Michael Ian Osborne was born on March 25th, 1957.
Michael's Story
Michael was fascinated by nature and his environment affected him during his childhood and adolescence.
He started out with a paint by number set that his mother bought him when he was younger which revealed his talent and love for art.
In 1972, he went "out" for school and attended Alexander Galt Regional High school, in Lennoxville. There he started getting a formal art training from grade 9 up until he graduated in 1975.
Michael applied to go to school in the United States and was accepted at Hebron Academy, in Maine. He was there for a year before returning to Lennoxville. He then attended Champlain College and studied ceramics, print- making, and painting. He was still very interested in art and decided to apply to Concordia University where he experimented with clay..w
In 2007, Michael flew to Manila, Philippines, from Hong Kong, China. Although he did not plan on staying, he eventually met his current wife. After their marriage, Michael went back to Canada with his loving wife.
In 2008, Michael established a gallery in his wife's name, Mia Art Gallery, in Blanc Sablon. This gallery only lasted for five months, from June till October.
"So it's a combination of going out into nature and coming into the studio and working... so the best of both worlds I suppose."
Michael Osborne
The Aomori International Woodfire Festival
"The Woodfire Festival, it's the celebration of the wood fire technique..."
Michael Osborne's skill in pottery and art took him as far as Asia. In July, 2002, he participated in the Aomori International Woodfire Festival in Japan. The festival celebrates and focuses on the technique of wood firing. During these festivals, Michael did a lot of pottery and interacted with other artists from around the world.
Favourite art works
Through out his life, Michael Osborne has created hundreds of sculptures, pottery and paintings. Many were sold to customers around the world, and some were lost due to incidents. Although he has created hundreds of beautiful and astonishing art pieces, there are some that he considers his favourites.
North Shore Reflections
One of a Kind Show
Circle of Life
Cain's Passage
Phoque ou pas de Phoque
"My surroundings, Lower North Shore Quebec, Harrington Harbour, where I am right now, is my big inspiration....
Michael Osborne