Monica Paterson ARTE Artisan of the Month

7 Tell us a bit about yourself (name, location, affiliations, and personal stuff).  
My name is Monica, I live in Mirdif, Dubai.  I'm 34, married with 3 boys.  Before we came to Dubai 3 years ago we lived in South Africa where I worked as a Graphic Designer.  I am a self-taught artist.  Always were interested in Art and dabbled in it when I was in High School.  When we came to Dubai I became a stay-at-home mom and found that I wanted to do something for myself, had lots of open wall space and started painting.  It has just grown from there.

7 What inspires you? Where do your ideas come from?
Being from the African continent I love the colours from the region (yellow, earth tones and red).  My ideas are simply drawn from my own interest in pottery and what I would place on my own walls.  My house inevitably ends up looking like a gallery since I am constantly moving painting around.  I love the play of light on objects and therefore enjoy showing that in my work.  I like works that are slightly moody with strong contrasts.  I have concentrated mostly on learning Acrylics, but lately have been experimenting more with Oils.

7 Greatest claim to fame (with respect to your craft) 
Having only been practising my craft for 2 years I am a bit low on experience still. I did my first exhibition at Uptown Primary as part of an Art Exhibition showcasing the children's work.  And apart from the ARTE craft market I am also collaborating with another South African born Artist to do an exhibition later this year.  

7 Where were you born? 
Sasolburg, South Africa

7 How long have you been doing your craft?
2 years but with a life-long love of Art   

7 How did you learn your craft? 
By just doing it and pushing myself to learn with every project I tackle

7 Favourite film of all time?
The colour purple.   

7 What was the last CD you bought?  
Unfortunately I have to admit that it was Sing-along songs for Toddlers.....but at least I get to sing along as well.

7 Are you married?  
Yes, my husband is my greatest fan and is very supportive.  I think he gets even sadder than me when I sell a favourite painting.

7 Do you have kids?  If so please tell us more about them 
Dylan is 6, Kael is 4 and Ethan is 3.  They all love getting their own canvas board and easels out to paint with me.  I have especially noted with the middle child that he has a particular love for Art

7 How long have you been in the UAE? 
Been in Dubai for 3 years and will probably stay another 3.

7 Do you belong to any other groups? 
UCCD Bible Study 

7 What are your favourite materials? 
Favourite media currently is Acrylic.  But I am dabbling more and more into the qualities of oils and my future work will probably show more of that.

7 What is your favourite colour?
Yellow Ochre - it's in all my work.

7 What are you reading right now? 
Just finished a book by Antony Beevor called BERLIN .  I love history and this book is all about the fall of Berlin during the 2nd world war.

7 Any tips on selling handmade stuff? 
Do market research.  Be flexible on your price, but don't undervalue your craft.  

7 Apart from creating things, what else do you do? 
Drink coffee (trying to cut down), do school pick-ups, play with my kids and the inevitable cleaning of the house (Yuk)

7 Your star sign
Don't know  

7 How can ARTE be improved? 
I think that ARTE is a pretty well run organisation.  I have nothing but the greatest respect for Miriam and Paul and the abuse they have to put up with sometime.

You can contact Monica at monster365@gmail.com