A smile in the mind: Mike Poole’s artwork unveiled at Poplar Riverside

12/11/2024

Poplar Riverside is now home to an inspiring new artwork by London-based artist Mike Poole, showcased in Dunlip House, which is one of our shared ownership homes.

Nearly ten years ago, Mike experienced a stroke, which profoundly impacted his life and art. As a member of Headway east London charity and a passionate advocate for stroke survivors and individuals with head injuries, he has poured his creativity into an abstract piece. Headway east London charity provides vital support and resources for individuals navigating life after brain injuries, promoting a sense of community and empowerment. This piece blends colour, emotion, and a sense of freedom. This latest work, commissioned by us in collaboration with Headway east London, captures the vibrancy of the community and brings a joyful touch to the shared space.

Shared ownership dunlip house art work unveiling

'A smile in the mind' displayed at Dunlip house

A conversation with Mike Poole

We had the opportunity to sit down with Mike to learn more about what inspires his art and what he hopes residents and visitors will feel when they encounter it.

Q: What inspired this piece?

Mike shared that he’s long been influenced by abstract expressionists like Mark Rothko, particularly drawn to the use of colour and texture. “I love Rothko’s work, the way he uses colour—it’s very New York 1950s, but it’s still something that resonates with me. London itself also inspires me,” he said. The artwork itself is bold and vibrant, a reflection of Poplar Riverside’s energy and the colours that connect the community. HARCA’s logo even mirrors some of these bright tones, with pops of pinks and blues, adding another layer of harmony between his work and its new home.

'A smile in the mind' displayed at Dunlip house

Q: How does it feel to have your work displayed in Poplar Riverside?

“For me, the more people that see my work, the better,” Mike said. “I think it fits the space perfectly, and I’m very happy to see it there.” He also shared a unique perspective on transitioning from a career as a graphic designer to painting. After 30 years of working digitally on a computer, he described a newfound sense of liberation in using paint and exploring his creativity on canvas. “Painting feels freeing and it’s something I’ve grown to love.”

Q: What do you hope people will feel when they see your work?

Mike’s goal is simple yet profound: “A smile in the mind.” He explained that he hopes the artwork sparks a moment of happiness, something that stays with people even after they leave.

"I want them to think about how it makes them feel, to question what they see, and ultimately to find a bit of joy in it," he said.

Mike Poole

For those looking to see more of Mike’s work or consider similar commissions, he’s always open to new projects that bring a splash of colour and a “smile in the mind” to more spaces.

Understanding Headway east London’s mission

Headway east London, led by Sarah Lantsbury, supports individuals with acquired brain injuries, a category that includes anyone who experiences a life-altering injury later in life due to accidents, strokes, or illnesses. “It’s quite different,” Sarah explains, “because people often have to come to terms with losing their old sense of self.” Headway east London emphasises building a strong, inclusive community where members find purpose and peer support, not only through art but in various shared activities. The Submit to Love Studio in Hackney, which houses Headway’s art programme, is one of many creative projects. They also run a kitchen for supper clubs and a music programme, offering members diverse ways to engage and express themselves.

“Everyone’s got something to give,” Sarah noted, “and our community wouldn’t work if everyone didn’t pitch in.”

Sarah Lantsbury

Why Headway east London worked with us

Sarah shared that Headway east London is always looking for opportunities to showcase what their members can do. They aim to demonstrate to society that people with brain injuries have much to offer. Collaborating with us has allowed them to highlight their members’ talents in a vibrant community setting. “We want to show that this area of our society should be embraced a lot more,” she said. By working together on projects like this artwork, they aim to grow a sense of connection and understanding within the community, inviting everyone to appreciate the contributions of people with brain injuries.

Helen Mason, Michael Poole, Sarah Lantsbury and Brian Searle

If you’re interested in exploring shared ownership opportunities at Poplar Riverside (including Dunlip house), visit our website below to discover what we have available.

Dunlip house Headway east London charity Poplar Riverside homes