Meet Louise

When I embarked on my creative journey, the first modality that I started with was macramé. Macramé opened so many doors for me; I started making small items, and a year later, I was already crafting very large macramé statement pieces. However, macramé is a highly structured technique. It requires a lot of math, measurements, and repetition to get the pieces right. I was already a very well-organised person with a methodical brain, so I felt I didn’t need more logical energy; I was creating more structure and rigidity in my life.

Then I was gifted a bag full of acrylic paints. I used to paint when I was younger but never took classes or learned proper techniques. I bought some brushes and a canvas and decided to create my first painting after a long time (maybe 6 years?). From the very first brush stroke, I fell in love with painting again. The sensation, the unknown, the freedom—everything felt really good and resonated with what I needed. However, as a perfectionist, I was already trying to master every single detail and create realistic paintings. I was painting under immense pressure that I was creating on my own self. My paintings were never “good enough,” and I was never fully satisfied.

Soon after, I started exploring different painting styles and found impressionism. I was creating gestures more than details. The forms and colours were still there, but I was also leaving room for imagination to play. Working with impressionism allowed me to open up to new possibilities and opportunities. It gave me creative freedom and allowed me to enjoy creating again.