THE ART OF CREATION

How to express ourselves, our emotions and the world of our own values when we are surrounded by so many intense stimuli coming from the television and the Internet?

How to draw people’s attention to what is important for us and to the values which should be recognized by others as well?

Surely, it’s worth coming back to the times when we weren’t afraid of our own expression and we played with different types of materials and forms, unconsciously presenting the content of our souls.

A great way of letting our imagination run wild and learning how to play in our adult life is the art, especially the one which we can create on our own.

If we don’t know what to start with, particularly when we are stopped by our inhibitions and the fear of being judged or being ridiculous, it’s good to follow the tips and get some help from passionate artists. Creators who will make it easier for us to enter the path of a widely understood area of art.

Today, I’m pleased to introduce you to my today’s interviewee – Deidre Mabin Maene – the artist, who discovered her passion to teaching others, teaching the things which bring her joy, namely the creative creation and art exploration as such.

Passion Piece: Could you tell my readers a few words about yourself?

Deidre: I am an art teacher and a creative person who gets seriously excited about making art. I am passionate about sharing my knowledge and guiding others in their own creative explorations and art making.

Passion Piece: You’re a dedicated art teacher. How did you start your adventure with art?

Deidre: My love for art and creativity was very much influenced by my mother who is also an artist (and a teacher). As a young child she allowed me to explore and play with her art materials. I grew up with a love for visual arts and making my own art and so it was a natural progression for me to go on to study a BA Fine Arts (Hons) after school.

I worked part-time during my studies and realized I also very much enjoyed teaching others, and so I decided to study further and become an art teacher.

Passion Piece: What kind of expression do you like best? Painting or drawing?

Deidre: I really enjoy a combination of drawing and painting. In the last few years, I have enjoyed exploring watercolor and pen in my artwork.

Passion Piece: Where do you look for your inspirations? Who is your favorite artist?

Deidre: I find the beauty of the natural world to be my biggest inspiration. I love illustrating flora and fauna and love spending time outside observing living creatures.

I have many favorite artists but I am currently drawn to the work of Tanya Poole. She creates delicate and intricate ink paintings of her observations of the natural world around her. Her art communicates ideas about ecosystems and how we are all connected. She lives in France and has recently had an exhibition at the Everard Read Gallery in London.

Passion Piece: Do your students surprise you with their creative artworks? Which one moved you the most?

Deidre: I am often amazed and inspired by the ideas and artwork that my students come up with! I also find that being an art teacher often allows you to see the deepest parts of your students – whether its their fears, traumas or happiest experiences.

Most recently I had a student produce a painting about how her family had fled from Syria to start a new life in the UK. It was a very moving piece and communicated the pain they had experienced while living in Syria.

Passion Piece: Are adults eager to take Art classes? What inhibitions do they need to cope with first?

Deidre: There are many adults who realize how important a creative outlet in their lives and seek out art classes.

There are also a large group of adults who are very afraid of participating in an art class for fear of being judged or fear failure. I want everyone to know that art is not about being perfect. It is really about the journey and the process of making that is important. It is about learning to play again and as a result healing parts of yourself that you have neglected in your adult life.

Passion Piece: Why did you decide to set up your own blog? What can your readers find there?

Deidre: I decided to start a blog to provide helpful information and useful tutorials for anyone out there who wants to explore their creativity through art making.

If you visit my site, you will find helpful tips about how to use all sorts of art materials, painting and drawing tutorials, art journaling, sketchbook and junk journaling inspiration, and recommendations on the best supplies to use!

Passion Piece: What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Deidre: In my spare I love walking in nature with my little girl and photographing flowers, bees, birds and plants. I also love sitting in my kitchen and allowing my mind to wander off while I paint.

Passion Piece: Is there a project you’d like to take up in the near future?

Deidre: Yes. I will be starting up a drawing and watercolor workshop towards the end of the year. It will be based online so that anyone can join.

Passion Piece: Which motto would you like to share with my readers?

Deidre: Believe in yourself, and you will realize that even those small steps taken in the right direction can produce great results.

Passion Piece: Thank you very much for this truly inspiring conversation and I wish you continued success, especially while accomplishing your next project.

See you around!

Yours,

Passion Piece

Photos by: Deidre Mabin Maene