14" square, hand-painted ceramic platter created by artist Michael Butler.

Butler is a native New Yorker and self-taught regional artist who focuses on the hidden worlds of the historical and mythological while also drawing inspiration from the clean lines and geometric forms from the mid-twentieth century.

The deep jewel tones frequently represented in Butler's works are reminiscent of those seen in the paintings of Henri Rousseau and the early works of Romare Bearden, two artists whom Butler admires. Another artistic influence is Aaron Douglass whose geometric paintings provide inspiration.

This is Butler's second time as an All Against Abuse Artist. His first event was in 2018 when his platter was the hit of the night.

Thank you to Southampton Arts Center for providing the video of Michael. What you see here is an edited version.

About Michael

Michael A. Butler is a native New Yorker and self-taught regional artist who focuses upon the hidden worlds of the historical and mythological. Many of his paintings will reflect the unspoken history of this locality with specific reference to the African-American and Native-American influences.

Drawing inspiration from the clean lines and geometric forms of the mid­twentieth century Butler will also utilize these influences in a separate and distinct body of work. At times the process of documentation can feel heavy and thus the colors and simpler forms of that time period provide a refreshing relief free of historical reference.

The deep jewel tones frequently represented in Butler's works are reminiscent of those seen in the paintings of Henri Rousseau and the early works of Romare Bearden, two artists whom Butler admires. Another artistic influence is Aaron Douglass whose geometric paintings provide inspiration.

Butler has a Master's degree in Public Administration and had his own art gallery at one time. He is former president of a local historical society. While also having exhibited in Massachusetts, Manhattan, Brooklyn, NY and Nassau County he exhibits mainly on the East End of Long Island. Butler has had one-man shows at Gallery Merz, Headley Studio, Paradise Restaurant and the Eastville Community Historical Society all located in Sag Harbor, NY.