Special Skills :
Through his role as educator, artist, and global citizen, Bray attempts to link the abstract world of theory to the practical realities of image-making in today's complex world. The use of metaphor and analogy in his work and teaching strives to make real our existence in an increasingly ambiguous world of symbols, signs, and obfuscations.

The Decade After Grad School :
After working in Canada, both teaching and making art, he began a self-imposed exile to explore the Middle East and see how people live. He first worked and taught in Cairo , followed by Beirut, and has now arrived in Dubai. The influences of the environment and people experienced has greatly informed and influenced his art and his teaching methods. He has exhibited works in Canada, Cairo, Beirut and Dubai.

When not teaching :
Mike is busy working in his studio, he's often cooking, spending times with family and friends, as well as his dog and two cats.

Discoveries :
The news media is not always even-handed and accurate. Images can tell great truths as well as great deceptions, depending on who is using them and how. The most important discovery he has made can be summed up as: “People are people anywhere”.

Education:
University of Alberta , MFA, 1996
University of Alberta , BFA, 1991