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

Hi Maureen, thanks for joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I came out of the womb with a sketch pad in my hand. One of the ways I learned was through practice and indulging my passion for art. I, also, had 2 great professors in college, whom I digested every word from their mouths. We’re still friends today and after 37 yrs, they continue to offer their invaluable advice. One of my most important ways I learned and still learn today is through experimentation. Some of the major obstacles that stood in the way of my career was alcoholism, drug addiction and mental illness. So, I might have gotten there sooner, but with a lot less experience to offer.

Maureen, 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?

A former employer once described me as being tenacious. At the time, I hadn’t a clue to its meaning and immediately looked it up. To my surprise, the word was right on and so I accepted it flaws and all. My inspirations vary from artists, former and current, to people whose lives inspire others. My 1st obsession with an artist was ‘Henri Matisse’. His flatness and oddly matched patterns just floored me! His seemingly lack of technique was his technique. Also, so many people with their own stories of hope, courage and endless generosity helps drown out the indescribable evil of others. My focus these days has evolved into the realm of the narrative. The curator and owner of ‘garner narrative’ of which I am represented, helped me to see the power that a properly layer out story can give the viewer of the piece. It can be talked about for years – as with a great film or novel. My career mission, along with my goals, has changed many times over the yrs. It usually involved fame and fortune. Now, it’s come full circle – back to that small child who drew for the joy of it.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

Not really. I believe that things happen when they’re meant to happen. Whenever a decision is made or a direction taken, our built in universal GPS adjusts accordingly. We’ll either get there another way or not at all – in which case, we are obliged to explore it. We’re not committed to one dream, but, the sum of many dreams.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

I’m not familiar with all the different aspects of the Art Market – only my own part, but my simple, naive opinion is…if consumers would buy original art from an artist, instead of cheep, generic knock-offs from Walmart, it would support artists in all categories – not just the famous. This would help eliminate some of the bottle necks that accumulate for many artists, both established and beginning, and maintain a steady flow of art – prospering, both, the artist and market.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.Artpal.Com/maureenhagerman1
• Instagram: Maureenhagerman
• Facebook: Maureen hagerman
• Other: @garnernarrative