Douglas takes inspiration from nature
12/4/2024
Artist Maggie Douglas finds inspiration for her artwork from nature.
One nature-inspired element — water — often is at work on her canvas.
She uses watered-down paint, which lends to both subtle as well as dramatic elements.
“The duality of water can be life giving, but it’s also powerful and destructive. I try to bring both of those aspects into my work,” she explains. “The dramatic part of water is also letting it flow where it will.”
Being inspired by nature also makes her realize how climate change affects nature. She desires to capture a sense of healing in her artwork.
“I’ve noticed that humans and interactions with nature can be used for our own gain and not taking care of it (environment) the way we should,” she says. “I want to bring the human touch and show how humans and nature can coexist.”
Douglas is an artist at M.Douglas Studio in Mainframe Studios. Douglas paints a variety of mixed media pieces, plus creates murals. She shares a studio with her mom, Pam Douglas.
Douglas grew up in an artistic household. Her mom has painted since Maggie was born and taught classes at home.
“I was always surrounded by art,” she recalls.
Maggie attended school for art and digital design. She found joy in art classes and the process of making art.
“But the practical side of me said to be a graphic designer instead,” she says.
One of her larger murals appears on the bridge underpass of West Des Moines’ trail system. She used her graphic design skills to plan out the structured pieces, helping bridge the gap between her graphic design and art career. She likes how murals are inclusive.
“I want to find ways to bring people who might not be comfortable in art spaces or have experience with art. Murals are a place where everyone can experience art,” she explains.
Recently she’s began experimenting with different textures, including painting on raw canvas pieces and sewing them together.
“Paint reacts in a different way if the canvas is stretched. It’s an organic process and nature inspired. I don’t start a piece with an end goal,” she says.
She’s collaborated with her mom on some artwork. Their style is similar, yet her mom’s work is more traditional.
“We’re in different realms, but we’re both inspired by nature,” she says. “Overall, it’s rewarding and encouraging to have her around. We’ve grown and inspired one another as we share the space.”
This year, she did a residency in France. There, she felt a freedom to experiment and not focus on what sells, but instead on what she hopes to create.
“In my head, there’s a meaning and direct message behind my artwork. I’m passionate about climate change and how art can change minds.”
However, she avoids telling art viewers how to think or feel about her work.
“I want them to interpret for themselves. I like it when they ask questions about my work and what connection they feel to my work.”
Find Douglas’ artwork at Mainframe Studios No. 231 on Dec. 6, First Fridays, or Dec. 14, Holiday Market; Instagram @mdouglas.studio and website: www.mdouglas-studio.com
