Artist Statement or Why I Paint

The answer seems so simple. I paint because I love to put a brush loaded with delicious, vibrant colors, each color a celebration of a different note of life experience, to canvas. There can be no other reason for me than that the act of creation is pure bliss. This is the process.

However there is a second crucial part to art: the product. Sometimes a painting touches the heart and soul of another. The painting, or the product of my acts of creation are universal themes intended to inspire, uplift and heal. This is my wish for the viewer, to give a soulful, heartfelt experience which celebrates humanity. This is why I exhibit and sell my art.

I've had the highs of ego: art shows in New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and museums; an MFA from a prestigious school; grants from well-know foundations; reviews that called my work genius. And I've had the lows of "my 5 year old can paint like that" and the feeling of being overwhelmed and burned out with 23 exhibits in one year which resulted in a loss of focus on why I paint. I've had the lows of setting aside by paint brushes for the span of a decade to explore other creative outlets, but I've returned grounded, confident, and more joyful in my creations than ever.

It's simple: I paint because I love to paint. And in doing so I know that in my delicious, colorful, universal and joyful moments of creation, I enhance the world with love. I welcome you to share my gifts from my heart to yours.

Look ahead...there is more goodness coming your way.

Nameste,
 Maggie

Mother's Day 2011

This week I've talked with 2 mothers whose sons died prematurely. One was by suicide 3 years ago, and the other in a car accident 16 years ago. The mother whose son died 16 years ago was still in pain and she explained his death was such a shock to her that she had bottled up her emotions for years. Only recently had she allowed feelings of rage, anger, and deep missing bubble to the surface. She said she was better now, but her face and eyes showed the scars of the lie that she had told for so many years. We talked for awhile and she told me how the arts had helped her express what she could not say to others. She wrote poetry, and out of this poured her grief.

The mother whose son committed suicide is moving to another state to be closer to her grandson. Yes, the pain in her heart, ignited by a single gunshot, is still there, but she feels it important to play a stronger role to her son's young son. I wondered about the pain her grandson must feel in missing his father?

It is easy to post a simple Happy Mother's Day on the wall of Facebook, but I felt I wanted to go deeper this year and remember the mothers for whom this day may not be so joyous. My heart goes out to you. I pray you can find healing, wholeness and one day soon remember with joy and laughter the fond and oh so precious memories that you had with your sons.

Yes, two mothers who have lost so much, and I have so much to be grateful for.