Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mary Meuwissen. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Mary thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I knew that I wanted to be connected to the art world at a very young age. In grade school, I would spend more time on making a colorful cover for a report rather than writing the actual assignment.

As I continued in school. I took as many art classes that I could possibly take. To appease both my professional working parents, I decided on an Art Education path, specializing in watercolor and art history, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1975.

Once out of school, I found it very difficult to find a teaching job as art positions were being cut from both elementary and secondary schools.

My first job was as a typesetter and keyliner for a large corporation in their purchasing department. This job lead into a sales position that I reluctantly did for several years. I needed something more creative. I landed my next position as a sales rep at a large print company. This position opened the doors to spending more time with creative folks – making me realize how much I needed to get back to my love of art and being with other artists. It was during this position, that I took more drawing classes, taught at a local Art Center, worked as a Guide at the Minneapolis Institute of Art for 20 years and felt the pull back into doing what I had loved so long ago. From then on, no matter what I was doing to pay the bills, I worked as a part time artist in many mediums except painting.

My big ‘ah ha’ moment came on my 60th birthday when an art friend from high school called and persuaded me to take a painting class in Santa Fe, MN. I hadn’t painted in 30 years! This class introduced me to painting with oil and cold wax. It was a game changer for me. I came back after a week long class and my life as a full time artist began. From the beginning at the age of 8 to turning 60, my art spirit had faltered off and on. Now it was full steam ahead. I have not looked back and firmly believe that it is never to late to follow your dreams.

Mary, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

As I mentioned, painting with oil and cold wax as a medium has transformed my life. In the 10 years since that first class in Santa Fe, I have been mentored, taken many classes, taught others, have a website, rent a studio/gallery space near my home, participated in several juried shows a solo show. During this time, I have become a confident painter in the abstract genre. The thing I am most proud of is developing a firm connections with my clients and collectors.

I think what sets me apart from others is my outgoing creative personality, eye for detail and passion for what I do . I love color, shapes and mark making. I am not afraid to compose with many of layers of paint. The process of adding the paint, scrapping it off, sanding, and starting it all again is rewarding to me. My paintings are joyful, playful, and spontaneous. I continue to learn and refine my process and gather all sorts of new ideas from many sources each day. I am a collector of ideas and anything that can be used as inspiration.

I encourage my visitors to share with me about what they see in my paintings. I create my paintings from places I’ve been, nature walks, childlike drawings and see them as a journey or ‘story’ that I hope resonate with the viewer. I love the conversations they share about my work, what they see and how it makes them feel. Having a viewer to engage in my work is my biggest compliment.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

When someone asks me what I do, I finally feel confident to answer that I am an artist. If you are a non-creative person, you may answer back with the comment: ‘I can’t draw a straight line’. As a trained art teacher, I believe that anyone can be taught to draw, paint, and sculpt by learning to see. Too often, people who consider themselves as non-creatives have most likely not had the opportunity to learn and practice the art of seeing. Creativity, visual thinking strategies, inspiration and wonder are in us all should be encouraged to shine! We are never to old to learn! I am hopeful that this is becoming a new norm in our schools and world.

Being an artist is not always a validated career in the eyes of some. While growing up, I wish I would have had the opportunity to learn about careers in Art Therapy, Museum Management, earning a MFA, etc. Those were not available to me at the time. Along the way, I have had many interrupted detours but I am forever grateful that I have had the time to embrace and develop the creative side that I nurtured in grade school. Don’t give up your playful, creative self!

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

My passion to create is a force that tugs on me everyday. I consider myself so very lucky to have this wonderful gift. The gift to play, to create, to paint, and to be my unique self. I can’t imagine my life any other way.

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is when I can see that my audience is engaged in my paintings, not only to ask about why I painted it but also to share their impressions on my work and how it makes them feel. The stories that they share is what keeps me painting and exploring the world of abstracted art.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.marymeuwissen.com
• Instagram: @marymeuwissen
• Facebook: Mary Meuwissen