I am an artist, a teacher, a dad and creativity is something I apply to all of those things. For 14 years I was known as Mr Mac the art teacher, getting teenagers amped up about making and learning from them as much as they learnt from me.

Then in 2017 I did something I had dreamt of in those ‘what if?’ moments we all have. I stepped away from being a secondary school teacher and I put on my artist hat full time. I have pursued my love of organic, flowing patterns, diving into painting, drawing, making a beautiful mess with dyes and printmaking.

In my Feilding studio I follow a few different creative pathways. I might pick up an ink pen and let my mark making lead me to some intricate doodling. Native birds take flight – my pen imagines their song and nautical themes allow me to go to murky depths. They are all finished off with a color swirling wash of dye.

Paint is always present in my studio. On my apron, in my hair and on plywood boards. New Zealand native birds also find a home here in lush, photo realistic detail and I often finish them off with a layer of Danish oil. I celebrate the wood grain and the depth of nature’s colours.

Moving to Feilding with my family has allowed me to have my own space, in the centre of town, to create in. It has opened me up to a wonderful community where I have enjoyed getting back into some teaching and dialling into my love of encouraging others to make art. I have also been able to become part of Feilding in a more literal way – my larger-than-life murals can be found around town with my signature style becoming part of Feilding’s identity.

Art is my everyday and I believe it is life enhancing to have creativity walk beside you…..especially if you are wearing shoes splattered in paint!

Check out my Facebook and Instagram page to see what I am up to and feel free to get in touch via email: mrjoemcmenamin@gmail.com