Witnessing someone surpass their own expectations and unlock their full potential is incredibly rewarding. Being part of that process—helping them achieve what they once thought impossible—brings a deep sense of fulfillment.
Michael Dooney
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Happy New Year everyone! To start the year off we have an episode to help inspire you to look at photography differently!
Michael Dooney’s story is one of evolution, creativity, and a deep-seated commitment to growth. From his early days as a musician to finding his voice behind the camera, Michael has charted a path that bridges art, culture, and community.
Now the proud co-founder of the Jarvis Dooney Gallery, Michael has become a mentor and advocate for artists, helping them identify their own potential and connect with a wider audience. His experiences navigating the gallery world—from the bureaucratic challenges of starting a business in a foreign country to curating exhibitions grounded in diverse cultural perspectives—reveal a relentless drive to push boundaries and open doors for himself and others.
Michael’s insights on how cultural differences can shape artistic expression and his reflections on balancing creativity with family and other commitments offer valuable lessons for those navigating careers in the arts. He is a strong advocate for both curiosity and collaboration, believing these are the keys to unlocking great creativity and sustaining lasting passion in the art world.
Here are three major highlights from our conversation:
- Michael’s transition from music to photography shaped a unique perspective that influences his curatorial work and teaching methods.
- His gallery serves as a platform to amplify Australian and New Zealand artists, fostering cross-cultural exchange in the European art market.
- Through mentoring and educational programs, Michael inspires others to discover their potential, ensuring the creative world grows richer because of it
My conversation with Michael was deeply inspiring, as he shared his unique perspectives on art, culture, and personal growth. His insights into navigating the art world and fostering creativity left me reflecting on the boundless possibilities of curiosity and passion. Enjoy the first episode of 2025! Cheers
Q: How did you get into photography? Tell me a little bit about that.
Michael Dooney: I got into photography through my now wife and at the time girlfriend because we met through when I was playing music. She was someone who naturally took photos, and as I spent more time with her, I started taking photography more seriously, learning about manual mode and film.
Q: Do you still play music?
Michael Dooney: I don’t unfortunately. I compose now and again, so I compose new music for my podcast and I’ve done little bits and pieces, but yeah, I haven’t for a long time, which is sad. I see my guitars collecting dust and I think I should really pull them out and start playing them.
Q: You’ve achieved so much since you started in 2013—did everything take off rapidly, or was it more of a steady progression over the years?
Michael Dooney: It was a kind of gradual thing happening all the time. Over 10 years, I think we often overestimate what we can achieve in one year and underestimate what we can do in 10. It was just a gradual succession of doing different exhibitions and being open to opportunities when they presented themselves.
