by Monika Blichar
There are many artists in Edmonton but what drew me to Maureen was actually her Instagram account. She is active, robust and very engaging on her IG which is something very nice to see. Her work ranges from all sorts of subject matter but it is her eagerness to express herself creatively that is so conveyed in her work. I haven’t met her yet, but I know that from our interactions in the vortex of the online world, we will become great friends I am sure! I caught up to Maureen and here’s what she had to say about watercolour, life and super-powers.
1-Why did you choose watercolour as a medium?
It found me actually. I was so busy in my life that I needed something to bring me back to calm, peace, my center and found advertised in our community paper of Onoway AB Adult Watercolour courses at the high school by artist Dave Ripley. That was it. I took one course and I was hooked.
2-You say that you had spent most of your life doing anything but art. How has art changed your life since discovering your passion for it?
Art enhanced my life! It takes me out of life’s whirlwind of busyness and captivates me. Art keeps me spellbound while creating in the moment. Mixing colours and transforming them into an art work is rewarding. It’s a positive, spiritual experience. It’s fun! It’s JOY!
3-You mention that you have taken inspiration from your travels for your art. Where is your favourite place you have visited and have you painted it?
I have been to so many countries. I have just begun to paint series of paintings from those travels. I Love Africa, our ocean adventures, Asia…there are too many places to mention and so much to paint. It would take more than a life time to paint all my favourite places and wildlife. And we are still traveling. It’s like I paint from my photographs and memories and people get to know who I am through my art.
4-Where would you like to see your art in the next five years?
Because there is so much to learn and so many people to learn from I hope my style becomes recognizable as my own. If in 5 years one person was to say ‘that looks like Maureen’s work’, I would feel like I have achieved this goal.
5-What advice would you give to emerging artists?
Let your self resonate in your creations. Experience the love and joy in expression. Be confident in and trust your uniqueness. Let your passions guide you.
6-For fun. If you had a super power, what would it be?
I would love to be able to give others the ability to see their gifts and talents and the trust to develop them to acheive their dreams.
Words to share: Never be afraid to try new things and take advantage of every opportunity – for you never know – you just might uncover a passion that may change the way you dream, care for yourself and how you discover every moment in life that belongs to you – colour it proudly!
To learn more about Maureen, visit her famous Instagram account and check out her exhibit at the Muttart on March 16, 2018! Get your tickets today, we are running low with only 83 tickets left!
Monika Blichar is an Entrepreneur and Artist. She is owner of Monika’s Art Boutique-Studio & Gallery in North Vancouver and producer of Art World Expo and Painting Dreams International Art Tours. She is always pushing boundaries as an artist and creative entrepreneur. Her love of the arts has been a part of her life since childhood.
Art World Expo 