The Quiet Power of Art: A Conversation with Michael Mules
There’s something grounding about stepping into a gallery space filled with artwork that invites you to slow down and look more closely. That’s exactly what you’ll find at the current exhibition by Quiet Connector Michael Mules at Penwith Framing Gallery in Penzance. Michael’s creative work offers a reflection of his quiet, thoughtful way of being and the strength he’s found in it.
We spoke with Michael about his relationship with quietness, how it’s shaped his life and creativity, and the power of being part of a community that sees and values quieter ways of being.
Would you describe yourself as quiet, introverted, or sensitive—or something else entirely? And how has your relationship with your quiet nature changed over time?
It depends on the situation and how I’m feeling that day. I like to be quiet, but sometimes that’s not possible because of life and the world we live in.
I’m naturally introverted, but I’ve also worked as a comedian, where I’ve embraced the louder parts of myself when I’m on stage. I’ve performed at festivals and on TV, and in those moments, I’ve had to be more extroverted. But I’ve also faced many challenges that left me feeling shy, isolated, and withdrawn.
Over the years, I’ve spent time in counselling and done a lot of work on understanding myself – especially how I relate to being quiet. That’s helped me build my confidence. Even though I need time to recharge in quiet spaces, I’ve learned that speaking up and using my voice has its place too. I’ve come to value quietness in a way that feels empowering – it’s not something I need to hide, but something I can embrace as a strength.
Have there been moments when you’ve felt especially seen or understood as a quieter person?
When I was 14, I saw a careers advisor at school who told me that because of my disability, I’d never have a job, never have a relationship, never make friends. That was hard to hear. I became very quiet and isolated after that, and it took me a while to rebuild my confidence and my relationships.
It wasn’t until I left school in Year 10 with five GCSEs and went to college that I started to feel truly accepted. At college, they saw me for who I was, not as a problem to be solved. Even though I was still quiet, I was able to express my love for learning and for art. I left college with a triple distinction and went on to university. That’s when I began to feel like I could really shine in my own way.
In what ways has your quiet nature been a strength in your life?
I’m training to become a person-centred counsellor, and a big part of our training focuses on the use of silence. Silence allows the client to talk about what matters to them without the counsellor needing to direct things.
I’ve always found silence easy. Many of my peers struggle with it – perhaps they feel the need to fill the space with words. But for me, silence is where connection happens. It’s in those quiet moments that you can truly see someone and give them the space to be themselves.
How did you come across Quiet Connections, and what drew you to get involved?
I think I found Quiet Connections through a conversation with a friend about volunteering locally. I’d been volunteering at Newlyn Art Gallery and The Exchange for over nine years, and I still do, but I was looking for something meaningful in a new way, something that would help me connect with others who share similar values.
When I discovered Quiet Connections, I felt drawn to the community’s focus on quietness as a strength rather than something to be fixed.
How has being part of the Quiet Connections community shaped your experience of yourself, or how you relate to others?
Being part of Quiet Connections has helped me see that my quiet nature is something to embrace. I’ve always been quiet, but now I know that I can still be and do anything. I feel more confident in myself, and I don’t think I would be where I am today without the support of this community.
Through the connection and acceptance I’ve found here, I feel proud of who I am and who I’m becoming. I’ve learned that there’s space for me—and for others like me—to show up in the world.
What’s surprised you about connecting with other quieteers?
That people are genuinely interested in me—and that I have things to say that others want to hear. I’ve realised I do have the right to be seen and understood. That’s been a surprising and empowering realisation for me.
Watch Michael talking about his Art Exhibition with Spotlight here:
Michael now volunteers at the Quiet Connections Meet Up in Penzance, offering time, space, and gentle connection every Thursday from 1–3pm. If you’re looking for a place where your quiet nature is celebrated, you’re warmly invited to join. More details can be found at www.quietconnections.co.uk/penzance.
You can also visit Michael’s artwork at Penwith Framing Gallery in Penzance, open until Wednesday 17th April.
Michael’s story is a beautiful reminder that quietness is not something to overcome. It’s something to honour. Whether through the presence he brings to counselling, the sense of belonging he’s found in community, or the creative expression he shares in his art, Michael shows us how powerful quiet can be when we allow it to take up space.
