Michael Gaffy has an impressive career as an artist, beginning his career at the young age of six while growing up in Kensington and Rosebud, Victoria. He started drawing at the early age of only 6 years old. In 1958, Michael Gaffy attended Kensington Primary School, graduating to Flemington High School in 1964. Gaffy’s talent with art meant he was allowed to work independently in art classes.

A young Gaffy had an early foray into music, performing in Melbourne with the band Expresso Bongo. Gaffy went on to form the local bands Notorious Gentlemen and The U-Boats.
During the 1980s, Michael Gaffy moved to Main Ridge, Victoria, where he set up his own studio to produce paintings and sculptures. During the 80s, Gaffy travelled to Canada for inspiration, touring the country as he painted and drew. He made a pilgrimage to Rice Lake, Ontario. There he experienced the amazing world of Canadian painter, Tom Thomson.
Further in 1982, Michael Gaffy celebrated the birth of his son, Paul William Gaffy.

1990 saw a great deal of change in Michael Gaffy’s life in the pursuit of inspiration. After briefly moving to Carisbrook, Australia, Gaffy moved to Canada. Living in Toronto, Gaffy spent his time painting and exhibiting art for two years.

In 1992, Gaffy moved back to Australia, setting up a new studio in Newry, Gippsland.

During this time Michael Gaffy was elected President of Artist’s in Action. It was here that he met his partner, Donna Bogdanovski. Gaffy moved to the Cowwarr Art Space where he became the First Artist in Residence. He formed Art Group Jigsaw 7 and became Artist in Residence at Cowwarr Primary School.

To celebrate the opening of Gippsland Art Gallery Sale in 1995, Michael Gaffy was invited by Gallery Director Michael Young to exhibit three works. In 1996, Gaffy and Bogdanovski worked together to open Eugene’s Dog Gallery, a café, bar and performance space.

1998 saw Gaffy formulating ideas for his work, The Rural Itch, a series of portraits, drawings, a short film, and an illustrated book of short stories.
Over 2000 to 2004, Gaffy worked with inmates at Fulham Correctional Centre as Artist in Residence. He also launched The Rural Itch Project at the Gippsland Base Hospital. Michael Gaffy was further commissioned to paint the portrait of Mr. Speechly for Gippsland Base Hospital, as well as the portrait of “Les” for the Boisdale Centenary Celebrations. Gaffy was also published on Australians Online for ABC Australia.