"Just starting is fun!" Mary tells her story
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Some of you already know her story. Mary is the woman who gave her name to MARY.
We met at a community dinner organised by my dear friends at Bluceira, who host gentle wellbeing stays here in Ericeira. Around the table were their guests and a few locals like me. And I found myself sitting right next to Mary.
I love this phrase: "There is no such thing as chance, only appointments." It was no coincidence that I met Mary that evening.
Soon after, she came to the studio. I told that afternoon from my side in Mary, the encounter that changed everything. Today, I wanted to give her the floor. I asked her a few questions, and she answered with the simplicity and the light that are so much her. Here are her words.
The interview
How did you feel about art and creativity before you came to the studio?
“When I arrived at the studio I was at a pivotal time in my life. My husband had died and my life had hugely changed. I signed up for a retreat as I needed a place to rest. All colour had drained from my life and making any decisions seemed impossible. At the studio I slowly realised that there is still colour in life and doing new things is still possible. A small but significant change in perspective happened!”
What made you say yes to my invitation?
“I have always been interested in art but have never attempted it. Just to get started seemed too complicated. In your studio I learnt that just starting is fun!”
Do you remember your first moments in front of the canvas? What did you feel?
“Vividly! I remember that feeling of possibility. That it was time to try!”
What changed for you, during that afternoon and afterwards?
“That afternoon I started to tentatively try new things. I have bought basic materials and started to play!”
What would you say to someone who thinks art "isn't for them"?
“Be brave and give it a go!”
If MARY were a colour for you, which one would it be, and why?
“Purple. It's a happy colour!”
A few words from me
Reading Mary's answers, I was deeply touched. She doesn't speak of a masterpiece, nor of talent. She speaks of colour coming back, of a possibility, of the joy of simply starting. And today she has her own materials at home, and she plays.
That is exactly what MARY is about. You don't need to know how. You only need a little courage to try, and the rest, we do together.
Thank you, Mary, for your trust, and for this beautiful purple.
Take good care of yourself,
With all my tenderness,
Lenon
MARY, Make Art Reconnect Yourself, Ericeira