Finding joy in art

Maria only discovered her artistic talent late in life. Photo / Herald on Sunday

Nutritionist and mother of three Maria Brown of Makarau made her journey to a happier life through art.

Brown describes her former self as achievement focused and lacking sufficient emphasis on the hedonistic aspects of life.

At the same time Brown knew she had an artistic streak, but didn't do anything about it until a chance meeting with "joyologist" Pat Armistead, who convinced her to join an art therapy workshop.

The therapy started with unstructured sessions - "just throwing the paint on the canvas". Brown discovered that not only did she love painting, she was good at it. She even entered her first completed artwork in an art competition.

Her work with Armistead, she says, helped her "butterfly come out of that chrysalis".

That in itself has created happiness. "For me, happiness is peace. It is not success with lots of money. It is the moments between the thoughts."