When did you discover your passion for painting?

I used to work in the CX team office in Hong Kong where I was a Trainer and then Team Executive. This has kept me busy as well as with my pursuit of other personal development such as a Masters Degree in Business Management (MBA), an advanced Scuba Diver, and downhill skiing every Winter. I have always been interested in painting but working with CX, and flying all over the world seemed to leave little time for such leisurely interest. Therefore, when I moved to UK, I wanted a more relaxing lifestyle, so I took up several short courses, in Fine Arts and Life Drawing sessions which included drawing nudes… hmmm… maybe more of this some other time!

I found these courses helped me to gain confidence with different drawing and painting techniques but unfortunately, after I rejoined CX London base as ISM, I did not have much time to pursue my hobby in painting, as other priorities took over, yet again. Although the current pandemic has resulted in such unprecedented times to so many people across the globe, it did give me time, to become ‘re-acquainted’ with this passion again after many years later. Thanks to the encouragement of both my husband, Chris and my artist friend, Elvie.

What type of painting do you enjoy the most?

The type of painting I like particularly is Mixed Media. This media does not just use individual paints, but allows you to mix various paints and techniques – for example, acrylic or oils or water colours. It also allows you to include pieces of Collage or layering, Fluid Pouring, etc. So it is very ‘free form’. It is not rigid in terms of using just one particular medium, but can be very free flowing, according to your preferential style.

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It can also include 3-dimensional objects like cut up paper or other objects – the sky really is the limit. It all depends upon your mood and what you fancy creating, which is why I enjoy this medium so much. You can also use different surfaces on which to paint, for example, paper, but also canvas, wood or tiles.

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Any particular favourites you have?

I have included two of my favourites, and I why I particularly enjoyed painting them.

Firstly, the Lotus flower is one of my favourites. It is highly regarded in many different cultures – especially in eastern religions – as a symbol of purity, enlightenment, self-regeneration and rebirth. Its characteristics are a perfect analogy for the human condition meaning, even when its roots are in the dirtiest waters, the Lotus produces the most beautiful flower. The flower represents our ability to come from a place of suffering into the light, much like the Lotus whose roots start in the muddy earth and rise up through the water to the light of the sun. This reminds us that, we too, can rise up from any difficult situation and reconnect to the light that surrounds us.

Another of my favourites is the Goddess Athena. Known especially as the goddess of war, she is also goddess of wisdom, courage, inspiration, law and justice, the arts, crafts and skills. So although warfare stands out as her key ‘skill’ she was known for protecting civilized life and was praised for her compassion and generosity. If we move away from ancient Greece to the modern day world, I think that she can give modern woman strength in that, she can be fierce when she has to, but compassionate too. I feel that Goddess Athena is the epitome of a Cabin Crew. Many of us Cabin Crew will be able to relate to her character and use of her varied strengths when appropriate, depending upon the circumstances.

How does painting motivate or inspire you during the pandemic?

The Covid-19 pandemic has affected many people deeply, not just with the loss of jobs and loved ones but emotionally and financially too. Some people have been affected badly and find this difficult to come to terms with as human interaction plays a crucial part to our everyday lives. However, I needed something else to fill my time during this pandemic so I started painting again.

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My artist friend encouraged me to join an art group and the interaction with like-minded people really helped to give me additional inspiration. Seeing others’ work and discussing their methodology, do helped me to gain confidence and the inspiration to try other art forms. What I really enjoy is the sense of creativity. Generally, Cabin Crew are quite creative people. We have to be in order to fulfil our roles every time we fly. Usually, it is sorting out other peoples issues, but with painting, it is about trying to sort out different techniques and colours which may feel uncomfortable at first, but by persevering and addressing counter issues (or blockages which may well be your inner self), you can overcome self doubts you may have, such as ‘I’m not good enough!’, or ‘It’s not perfect!’, or ‘I can’t do it!’, etc.

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“If you hear a voice within you say you cannot paint, then by all means paint and that voice will be silenced.”

Vincent Van Gogh

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Painting also is a great test to your patience… that is to get the painting right. Additionally, when you look at your painting, much depends upon the way your perception, your mood and how you feel that day; the way the light plays on the medium (be it paper, canvas or tiles) and how critical or satisfied you are with the work you have done. Usually, I redo or touch up several times by adding other elements or play with the colours or shapes. This is where I need to stop and tell myself…. to just relax and to let go of the ‘perfection’ in me’. But that is all part of the creative process which personally, I find enjoyable. Additionally, it provides me with a deep sense of achievement and satisfaction when a painting is finally completed.

Summer in the UK is beautiful – lovely and sunny without the intense heat and humidity of Asia. When I first started painting, I took over the Summer House in the garden, much to the chagrin of my husband, who had to move out all his garden tools and furniture into one of the garages. I found that, painting in the Summer House, looking at the flowers blooming really gave me a sense of inspiration in terms of colours, shapes and patterns. Also, the wildlife in the garden helped too, birds and squirrels searching for food, all gives me a sense of calmness where I can immerse myself into a world of nature and soulful art.

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If you do decide to take up painting or drawing like I do, my advice is to take inspiration from wherever you find it and whatever it may be. Again, it may not be that you paint or draw exactly what is in front of you…. but it may be the colours displayed, or the way the light falls, or the shapes, and the way in which things fall into position, one to another. Just be patient, look and keep looking, think about what you would like to draw or paint, and let things come naturally into your mind. It is really surprising that, you may be looking at one thing, but find that, you draw something else entirely. Once you have finished you may well ask yourself, “where did that come from”. The answer may well be, ‘your inner self’. For me, therefore, this really has been, ‘beauty borne from adversity’ as it were.

I hope that those reading this, will find inspiration in their lives too…. whatever you choose, all the best of luck!

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“What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything”

Vincent Van Gogh

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Have a nice day,
Maureen Chye

ISM London Base, December 2020.