Bold contemporary artwork, enhancing the beauty and power of subjects found in the natural world. Blending and altering reality with a strong graphic quality brought to life using the textures found with vinyl/oil based paints and sumptuous vitreous enamel.

Michael Forrest was born on the Isle of Wight in 1979 and was educated at Sandown High School. From there he went on to Kingston University to do a foundation course in art and design, gaining a distinction and Student of the Year.

In 1998 he began at Camberwell College Of Arts, London, graduating in 2001 with a 2:1 BA (Hons) Degree in Graphic Design and was selected as a talent of the year 2001 in i-D Magazine, a feature entitled 'The Graduates'. Whilst at college and since that time he has exhibited his artwork in many exhibitions, culminating in 2006 with his first solo show at the Quay Arts Centre, Isle of Wight. An Arts & Business commission followed in 2007, a large vitreous enamel triptych on permanent display in East Cowes, Isle Of Wight.

Since then Michael has exhibited in various nationwide shows and is currently creating new exciting artwork for exhibit and sale.

MELT.
A Vitreous Enamel showcase exhibition by artists Michael Forrest & David Knight.
Quay Arts Centre, Newport, Isle of Wight
http://www.quayarts.org
30th January - 8th March 2010.

Open Studio exhibition
The Studio, A.J.Wells & Sons Ltd, Bishops Way, Newport, Isle of Wight.
25th - 27th July 2009

Isle of Wight Open Studio Showcase Exhibition.
Quay Arts Centre, Newport, Isle of Wight.
19th June - 3rd August 2009.

'Location' open exhibition
Michael West Gallery , Quay Arts Centre, Isle of Wight.
6 October - 15 November 2008

Open Studio exhibition
The Showroom, A.J.Wells & Sons Ltd, Newport, Isle of Wight.
25th - 28th July 2008.

'Shopping Trolley'
déda derby dance, Derby.
3rd June - 29th August 2008.

The Grand Opening art exhibit
The Studio Café - Newport, IOW.
16 - 23 July 2008. Group exhibition.

'Rockpool' @ Ventnor Winter Gardens, Isle of Wight.
25 May 2008. Group exhibition.

Glimpse Online launch party -
24 April 2008 Bar Musichall, Shoreditch, London.

'Ventnorblog presents...' Artwork exhibit
Bonchurch Manor Hotel, Isle of Wight.
22 - 24 February 2008.

'Wireless' Radio Soma Promotions: Artwork exhibit
Joe's, Newport, Isle of Wight.
19 April - 3 May 2007.

Cafe Wall Space Exhibition Coast
Newport, Isle of Wight.
May 2007 - April 2008.

Solo Show 'Welcome To The Jungle'
Cafe Walls Exhibition, Quay Arts Centre, Newport, Isle of Wight.
5 December 2006 - 8 January 2007.

'Shopping Trolley'
Quay Arts Centre, Newport, Isle of Wight.
April 2006, October 2005, October 2004.

Camberwell Graphics Show - Degree Show.
Camberwell College of Arts, London.
June/July 2001

'Gateway to the Future' - Art Exhibition.
Camberwell College of Arts, London.
Easter 2001

'apathy, an exhibition' - Art Exhibition. Installation piece.
Studio Voltaire, Clapham, London.
9 June - 16 June 2000

Isle of Wight County Press - 20 March 2008
Artist box clever for novel project - page 13.

Isle Of Wight County Press - 12 April 2007
Catch up with bird's eye view on seafront - page 2

Cowes Beacon - April 2007
New Public Artwork unveiled in East Cowes - page 4

Island Business magazine - April 2007
Featured article: Creating a bright economy - page 16

Island Business magazine - March 2007
page 6

Isle Of Wight County Press - 8 December 2006
Weekender section - 'Striking display by enamel artist' - page 14

i-D Magazine Issue No.214. - October 2001
Feature - 'The Graduates', talents of the year - page 96