Born in the Transkei, Michael spent the first part of his life amongst the Ama-Xhosa people. A professional artist for over thirty years, he has worked in wood, engraving and lithography, crafting handmade cutlery, steel and stone sculpture and large paintings in acrylic and oil. In the 1970s his work reflected the customs and rituals of the Ama-Xhosa and Africa's unfathomable mysteries, but also conveyed the darkness of these troubled times. During this period he had more many one-man exhibitions and his work began attracting collectors around the world.

After a brief time in the Seychelles, he returned to the Transkei coast, working on large colourful 'tropical' canvasses and wood-carving, combining it with his great love of fishing. From there he moved to Plettenberg Bay to breed Arabian horses, before moving to a farm near Johannesburg.

Michael now spends his time painting wildlife, between Johannesburg and his new gallery in Plettenberg Bay, and building a 65ft sailboat for a floating studio which will take him to 'the last frontiers of the planet'.