Picture it. you decide you want to learn an art. You
discover a master you want to learn from. Unfortunately, he is dead, but
that doesn't stop you. Your desire and determination are so strong , you
take off for another country to research the master's life, study his
work, and "train" under him, so to speak. You go from "I
don't have a clue" to being one of the greatest master artisans in
the world out of sheer determination, desire and hard work (a little
talent doesn't hurt either).
This is the story of Mike MacNeil, a master
decorative artist, and one of the world's most renowned and accomplished
wood-grain and marble artisans.
To meet MacNeil, you might not guess he is
one of the great masters. Your first guess may be that he is a comedian.
He keeps you laughing and wondering what will happen next. He's the
"guy next door," down to earth, spontaneous, and fun-loving.
"Life happens," he says. Yes, life happens, but MacNeil is not
a man who sits around waiting for things to happen; he is a man who
makes things happen. "You just deal with the hand you're dealt,
make the best of it." He realized what he wanted in life and went
after it, allowing nothing to stop him. You have to admire a guy like
that.
In 1993, MacNeil discovered
and became fascinated with the work of Thomas
Kershaw, an English decorative painter who lived in the 1800s.
Kershaw is considered to be the greatest wood grainer and marbler of all
times. MacNeil was so impressed and inspired by Kershaw's work, he took
off for Europe to find out more about this artisan and what he did in
the 1800s.
MacNeil holds a Certificate of
Apprenticeship- and is one of a handful of painters (along with Thomas
Kershaw), ever to achieve the title of Freeman of the Worshipful Company
of Painters, the highest professional recognition on the painting trade,
a step above Master Painter. The Worshipful Company of Painters in
London is the oldest painter's union in the world, founded in the 13th
century. At that time, a "painter was a craftsman who worked on
wood, wooden panels, metal, etc., while a "stainer" stained or
painted canvas and other cloth. In 1502, the two craft guilds merged
into the Worshipful Company of Painters and Stainers.
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