Interview
Maggie O'Hara
Maggie O'Hara, an award-winning intuitive digital artist, children's author/ illustrator, and storyteller, is renowned for her healing artworks. These resonate with vibrant color psychology and rich symbolism and elevate viewers' frequencies. A trailblazer in her field, Maggie O'Hara has made a significant contribution to Australia's digital art scene by working with an app developer to create one of the country's first fully interactive decks of affirmation cards. By integrating these cards with a free app, she has amplified their transformative potential, demonstrating her innovative approach to digital artistry. Her ground-breaking solo exhibition, 'Transcendence,' which was showcased in 2022 as part of the Northern Australian Festival of Arts, captivated audiences and celebrated artistic innovation.
The exhibition featured interactive artworks from the affirmation cards. On opening night, over one hundred people viewed the works through their phones, and the response was amazing, as hundreds of butterflies came alive and flew about the artworks. Maggie's mission is more than just creating art; it's about healing and empowerment. She is deeply committed to using her artistry for positive change, aiming to mend emotional wounds and boost self-confidence by reigniting the inner child and rekindling self-worth. Her art has graced the pages of esteemed magazines spanning Australia, New Zealand, and the USA, receiving accolades and success. With a design background, Maggie has honed her craft through Photoshop and photo artistry courses under Sebastian Michaels's (USA) guidance. Her work draws inspiration from a harmonious blend of nature, photography, color, watercolors, inks, symbology, affirmations, and texture, culminating in a vivid tapestry of creativity and healing.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I have a creative mind and a restless soul. I love color, texture, and design. I loved watching artists create from their imagination, but I couldn't draw or paint. It was never good enough, and I gave up. I have always had a camera in my hand and love looking for a different angle and perspective. I love the storytelling that art and photography bring to the world. In 2017, I wrote a children's book and wanted to learn Photoshop to illustrate my story based on how I saw it. I did an intensive 12-month course on Photoshop Artistry, which included composition, photography, technical skills, and using my photos to create unique and beautiful images. I developed my style and created the pictures for my children's book. The following year, I wrote and illustrated four more books. People loved the illustrations and asked if I did more grown-up artwork. I successfully gained an artist residency in Ireland (UK) to develop a collection of 12 works using the same face to tell different stories using Botanics and color therapy.
Two weeks before I was due to leave Australia, COVID hit, and all flights were canceled. I was devastated to miss a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I created my 12 ladies and their stories, and they kept growing. Suddenly, I had 30! I was invited to have a mini exhibition in The Vault at the Perc Tucker Regional Gallery in Townsville. They sold out. People commented that the ladies spoke to them on a deeper spiritual level, and one lady told me she was going to purchase the blue one, but when she went back the next day to finalize the sale, the red one spoke to her. She ended up buying both. After seeing the ladies' power over people, I turned them into positive affirmation cards, using their original base word as the affirmation. They are printed with gold edges and have a luxe feel. Those drawn to them are like moths to a flame; they can't get enough of them. I don't have any formal art qualifications, but studying design helped me understand color, line, and composition. One day, I would love to learn actual watercolor and traditional hands-on painting.”
What inspires you?
“I'm an artist inspired by the natural beauty and vibrant colors of the outdoors. Everywhere I go, I find ideas that inspire my work, especially the bright colors of the Great Barrier Reef and rainforests and the deep reds of Australia's outback. I also include a butterfly in all my art to symbolize transformation and growth. My ideas come from deep inside me. When I create something, I like to follow my intuition or a particular theme. Making art is not just about making art; it's about growing as a person and helping other women succeed, too. I love using symbols, color psychology, and hidden meanings in my art because they tell a story and connect with people on a deeper level.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“"Fleurtopia" is a fictional word inspired by my first piece titled "Fleur" that sold in a group exhibition. It’s derived from the combination of "fleur" (meaning flower) and "utopia" (meaning an ideal place or state of being), represents an idyllic mental and emotional space where one finds happiness, peace, and fulfillment through the wonders of nature, particularly flowers. It is a state of mind that transcends the complexities of daily life and allows us to reconnect with the beauty and simplicity surrounding us. I explore the connection between color and its effect on people's state of mind or how it makes them feel. My art is not merely decorative; it is a catalyst for change, a reminder that beauty and strength can be found and gained even in the face of adversity. My artworks serve as a testament to resilience and renewal. Inspired by the lush botanicals, graceful animals, and delicate butterflies, they speak of hope, love, and the unwavering pursuit of happiness. At the heart of my creations lies a profound message of empowerment-a call to break free from the chains of negative beliefs and societal expectations. Particularly for women who have been told they are not good enough or smart enough. My art is a beacon of light, guiding them towards embracing their inherent strength and worthiness. Through my work, I seek to challenge the limiting beliefs and self-doubt ingrained from a young age, empowering individuals to rise above and become the best versions of themselves. My message would be "From Struggle to Strength, Empowering Beauty Through Nature," which is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of art. It celebrates hope, love, and the infinite potential within each of us, waiting to be released.”
How would you describe your work?
“My works merge photographic textures with the intricate strokes of inks, watercolors, and other diverse experimental mediums. They are crafted on paper and integrated into the digital realm through Photoshop. I add lighting layers, texture, and other elements to create the finished product. In my artistry, I unite the tangible textures of traditional mediums with digital technology, forging a unique and enchanting fusion. My works, consisting of 30-40 layers, are adjusted to complete the story and evoke strong connections with the viewer. Each layer enhances the emotion, guiding viewers through a journey where stories unravel, colors pop, and messages are discovered. I aim to ignite emotions with each layer, creating a profound and personal experience for the viewer. My art bridges the realms of my imagination and reality, offering a glimpse into the fusion of worlds I've crafted. They embody a lifetime of experiences combined with modern techniques, which have created unusual and vibrant works with strong narrative cohesion and surprising elements. My work evokes positive emotions and conveys feelings of happiness and joy. It is a testament to my transformation, turning negative beliefs about myself into positive ones and creating intuitive healing works of art for others. I want to inspire others through my journey of self-discovery and artistic expression. My journey combines transformation, beauty, nature, and color. I like to think of my art as "Art from the heart + soul for your walls."”
Which artists influence you most?
“I am inspired by many amazing digital artists, including Sebastian Micheals (USA), Billa Bozem (Germany), Teddi Rutschman (USA), and Gail Edwards (Canada). I also love Gustav Klimt's style and his use of color and layers of texture. I love how the simplicity and colors of Yayoi Kusma dots impact the viewer. I love how Abbott Fuller Graves paints outdoor scenes with flowers and nature. I am intrigued by the Bloomcore genre and love how over-the-top it can be. I had no idea it existed until recently when I was researching a new project. Then, I realized my work would fit perfectly in that genre.”
“My message would be "From Struggle to Strength, Empowering Beauty Through Nature," which is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of art.”
What is your creative process like?
“My works all start with a one-word positive affirmation on the base layer. You will never see it, but it sets the intention for the piece. I then think about the color reflecting that word and create intuitively while listening to beautiful music. To ensure that my work is unique, I have created an extensive library of elements and my brushes in Photoshop. In some of my works, you might find bubble wrap dipped in paint, paint brushed over mesh, or fly screen. I use actual paint to create texture, then I photograph the elements and edit them in Photoshop. Once I have completed the piece, which can have up to 30-40 layers, including lighting, shadow, and texture layers, I sit quietly with the printed canvas and let it tell its story. I write what comes into my mind and work on it for a while. Usually, the stories reveal themselves, and then it makes sense why I put a certain element in a particular spot or chose a specific bird, butterfly, or symbol. People often think that because it's digital, it's a quick process. The overall process takes days, and they are not created in an hour.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“The role of an artist is multifaceted and ever-evolving. It encompasses a creative pursuit and a responsibility to engage, inspire, and provoke thought. As a visual storyteller, the artist has the power to weave narratives that transcend language barriers, stirring both negative and positive emotions and sparking conversations that resonate with individuals across diverse backgrounds. My mission is to inspire hope, joy, and empowerment in others and guide them toward realizing their full potential. Through my art, I strive to be a beacon of hope, illuminating the journey from struggle to strength. As society evolves, so too does the role of artists. Artists can reach broader audiences, engage across geographical boundaries, and connect worldwide. This presents a unique platform for amplifying voices, advocating for change, and fostering empathy and understanding. Moving forward, I envision the artist's role evolving into a catalyst for social transformation. I plan to use my creativity as a tool for healing, empowerment, and collective progress by continuing to create healing artworks that touch the soul on a deeper level. By harnessing the power of visual storytelling, artists can inspire individuals to embrace their narratives of triumph, creating a ripple effect of positive change that extends far beyond the confines of the canvas.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“In 2022, I held my first solo exhibition, "Transcendence," as part of the North Australian Festival of Arts. The exhibition successfully bridged the gap between people who typically enter a gallery space and those who walk past. On opening night, there was standing room only, so we had to move outside to address all the patrons. The exhibition was about expanding my art into unknown territory and taking risks by pushing the invisible boundaries to break through my upper limit and transcend my thoughts on self-worth. The 'Transcendence' exhibition was a unique blend of original artworks and limited edition prints from my 'Faces of the Forest' affirmation deck. What set it apart was the innovative use of technology- a free app that brought all the artwork to life. It was a joy to see over 100 people, their faces lit up with excitement, standing in front of the works, their phones in hand. We also made a meaningful contribution to the 'Butterfly Charity' by selling hundreds of magnetic butterflies during the exhibition. The artworks evoked happiness and joy through colors, hidden elements, and symbolism, such as dragonflies, butterflies, and hidden secret messages. My vision was to create healing affirmation art to help others find happiness and joy. The exhibition sold 70% on opening night; all pieces were sold throughout the festival. Before my solo exhibition, I had the privilege of participating in two group exhibitions in galleries across North Queensland. In each exhibition, my work was met with such enthusiasm that it was sold on the opening night.”
Scan to make the images come alive!
The QR codes to go to a free app to make the image "Connect" and come to life. You will need to download the app on your phone and view the image on a computer. The butterflies will come out of the image and fill the room.
