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Across Continents: John Maillard Shares His Creative Journey
Russley Events
Creative journey: Artist John Maillard, who will be showcasing his art at The Russley Village for the first time, shares his story…
I'm eager for the opportunity, especially since I've transitioned to a full-time artist. It requires a greater level of diligence in seeking out exhibition opportunities. I'm excited to explore The Russley Village venue and connect with fellow artists. Exhibiting is pivotal for artists; it offers insight into how people respond to your work and facilitates engaging conversations about your art and interactions with other artists.
I was fortunate to receive a comprehensive art education in England. Our curriculum encompassed various artistic disciplines—from stone carving to drawing, painting, and photography. We were encouraged to experiment with different mediums and understand their interplay, utilising them in their purest forms.
Afterwards, I worked as a photographer for aid agencies and news services in West Africa before relocating to California. I continued photography while training as a special education teacher on the East Coast. Like many artists, I had to find alternative sources of income during periods when my art wasn't selling as expected. Eventually, I moved to the UK, where I managed and taught in a wood workshop catering to individuals with learning difficulties in a Steiner school.
Subsequently, I taught at three art colleges across the Midlands while pursuing my master's degree at De Montfort University. My master's focused on photography and the possibilities of using the new internet as a creative medium. This led to a career spanning over two decades at Ara, where I taught digital media and photography while also delving into my artistic pursuits. Over the past two decades, I've exhibited extensively in New Zealand, America, and Hong Kong. Currently, I am working in intuitive prediction and location services while establishing an art reproduction business alongside my artistic endeavours.
Describing my art style is challenging; however, my primary aim is to convey the emotional essence of the scenes or situations I depict. While my background is in photography, I've been exploring pen and ink drawing more extensively lately, drawing from my foundational training in this medium. Nonetheless, photography remains integral to my artistic expression, given my lifelong dedication.
My inspiration stems from many sources—favourite painters, renowned photographers, breathtaking landscapes and, of course, the people of New Zealand. Spending the day walking and exploring the New Zealand landscape fuels my creativity and inspires me to create captivating artwork.
In conclusion, if my art can bring even a moment of joy to someone, I would consider myself fulfilled
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