Former Photographer now Artist Paula, was compelled to push her creativity in a new direction. Upon returning from a trip to Europe in late 2019, she picked up a paintbrush and started playing around with colours and designs. Drawn to shapes, curvy scenes and colour psychology she began to create.
Throughout her painting journey Paula has learnt that colours play a major part in how we are feeling and with that experience she is motivated to use colours that uplift and make the viewer feel uplifted happy and calm.
With an understanding of mental health importance and as someone who has personally struggled with depression and anxiety painting has been a large factor in her own healing journey.
Inspired by her adventures around the world Paula combines her passion for travel, love for mother nature and mental health awareness then transforms it into a piece of art. Daydreamer and visionary Paula use warm colours and steady lines to create scenes that bring calm among the chaos.
Who is Paula May?
It’s funny but I find it quite difficult answering this question. I guess ultimately I’m still finding that out but I’ll start with this. I’m currently living in a little country town called Burringbar with my partner Ben and our dog Tala. Though I’m a little further away now the Byron Shire has always been home to me. I’m was a photographer prior to being an artist but they both work well together it’s definitely handy having that skill as an asset.
Travelling is another love of mine and each time I return home a little changed because of it. But mostly It’s just the little things in life I appreciate most. ?
As someone who has personally struggled with depression and anxiety, how has painting played a large factor in your healing journey?
I believe that creativity and mental health are so closely linked as it is all connected to our emotions. Painting has not only helped me become connected to that side of myself but it continues to bring me back to the present moment. The amazing thing about art is that it’s so personal, and that’s a really beautiful thing. Its fascinates me, how much colour and shape influence how we are feeling. I think that’s why I’m so drawn to using “feel good” colours.
Though we are in strange times right now, I hope to spread warmth and positivity to people who stumble upon my work. Even if it’s just a little bit of momentary happiness.
Paula May
How do you choose your Colour Palettes?
Colour psychology is something I also just stumbled upon while I was painting, and it really resonated with me. I find that depending on what colours I use my mood fluctuates. Coming from a person who has struggled with mental health I believe that the right colours have the ability to heal us. Inspired by my travels around the world, love for simplicity and the coastal lifestyle, I combine my passions and transform them into paintings that bring clam among chaos…
Where do you learn your techniques from?
I’ve mostly learnt through simple trial and error, and I’ve just been experimenting and teaching myself for just under a year now. So it’s all one big adventure for me.
Tell us about your sustainable practices and how you implement them within your craft?
It’s definitely hard to get around the fact that paint isn’t so pretty when it comes to the environment. In saying that there are a couple of techniques I use to work around that. I wash my brushes as little as possible and I wipe most of the excess paint off onto old rag cloth, that way the paint settles into the fabric and less paint is able to escape meaning it won’t leak into the land waterways etc.
Tell us about your latest collection?
This collection was influenced by my favourite designs new and old. It’s a little mix up of designs I personally love and some I’ve more recently created. Lately, I have been drawn to earthy tones, which resemble Aussie earth and sunshine. Calling the collection “ Dusty Sun” seemed appropriate.
Exclusively available to the Small Collective’s beautiful Eco marketplace
Lastly, what does your day look like?
Living simply is a part of my practice into mindfulness and appreciating my surroundings. You might catch me walking along the beach in the mornings when the sun is shining or wandering into the mountains chasing waterfalls when the rain is about. This world can feel fast-paced and chaotic at times and I wanted to create artwork that has the ability to bring you back to the present moment.
Discover more and follow along with Paula’s beautiful journey via www.bypaulamay.com | @bypaulamay
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