Rules are meant to be broken.
For example, the first rule drilled into our brains in art school is to never create a composition where the main focus is placed in the center. We are told that it creates a static design. Mike Shaw discards this "rule" time and time again, with the results being far from static. Within his compositions, micro currents of line and texture flow to suggest movement within the confines of the primary shape.

Example: in "To the DayDreamers", the central thrust of the tree trunk is off-set by the diagonal shape of the imposing cloud, while the twisted branches imply activity and complexity. These visual elements add interest and vitality to the monolithic tree trunk. Hence, the "rule" of avoiding a central design is dismissed effectively.

(Besides, a central design always implies focus and visual weight, two features Mike embraces).

Additionally, The use of color is a bold tool in this piece, particularly when many of Mike's photos reject such use of chroma. He uses color the way the painter Vincent Van Gogh used color: as an expressive device to wrench emotion from his viewers. His color is never decorative.

As far as "rules" go, Mike's images are a reminder to us that we may find the truest education in constant practice and work. Most importantly,we can gain great lessons by answering whatever calling we hear. Mike "believes" in his choices, and as a result, so do we.