Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Melanie Matthews. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Melanie, thanks for joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
I knew from a very early age that i wanted to persue an art based career, of coarse at that time maybe at 13 or 14 years of age I had no idea what form that would eventually take. I finished high school and decided to enroll in a fine arts program in both college and university. I ended up working in an art supply store and that changed my trajectory improving my knowledge of techniques and application and moving me into the materials business side of art and art instruction.
Melanie, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I began teaching painting and a wide variety of art techniques approximately 25 years ago. My path has been a gradual development that origally evolved out of a sales position that I once held many years ago. As part of my role I worked giving product based presentations to students on a wide variety of art materials ie art papers pastels watercolors etc. I realised that I had an ability to communicate in a way that empowered and encouraged people, Over time and with a new family, I grew this faculty intoma career. Born out of a love sharing my passion for both art history blended with an extensive technique knowledge that combine in a wonderful way to elevate the study of art and its appreciation to my audience. Is really rather a unique and very valued approach.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
I find it endlessly rewarding to contribute in a deply positive way to the everyday lives of my students. I am often privy to the commnts in evaluations and I often have conversations with my clients who tell me how much my classes mean to them. I believe that an artisitic practice can be so enriching it elevates centers and energises people. Making art develops powers of observation and deepens our appreciation for painting, it helps us to understand the world diffrently, and perhaps even more profoundly.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
The covid pandemic was quite a lesson for all of us, and a difficult one for me personally, That spring I had many classes and workshops booked, perhaps even a record amount of both travel and local. In the blink of an eye all of it was just suddenly shut down. Luckly the large compagny I am sponsored by asked if I would host their first facebook live event, I must admit my online skills were rudementary at best and I was so nervous but agreed to do my and their very first event. I prepared and persevered and although I was shaking on the inside I pulled it off with humor and levity. I went on that first quarter to shift my entire sheduale onto zoom and other online classes through the schools college and Museum I work with, very sucessfully and maintain an online art school called ARTLab chez vous to this day that draws indviulas from Bierut to New York. I am so proud that I didnt allow my fear and discomfort to limit me. I am now so comfortable online and lov the community I have created.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://melaniematthews.ca
- Instagram: artlab_chez_vous
- Facebook: Melanie Matthews ARTLab chez vous
