Artist tells her story to WOW
Maggie says art is much more than just picking up a paintbrush.
WOMEN of Worth (WOW) members learnt about Maggie Houbert’s love and passion for art at their September meeting.
“I’ve always loved painting and my favourite artist is Monet. When I left school I studied something else but my love for art always kept coming back and when I had my first child 10 years ago I began teaching art again.
“I taught in private schools first and then at home and now teach youngsters and adults from my home in Southcrest. It’s a wonderful feeling teaching art and very worthwhile, especially when children paint and unknowingly unwind and get rid of their stress. My classes are small and I usually teach four at a time. This way I can give my undivided attention to my students.
“Even though I was enjoying teaching art I still felt there was something missing in my life and one day while I was in church I spoke to God and asked how I could help others. “It wasn’t long before I became involved with Broken Wings and since then I go there every Monday and teach art. It’s so fulfilling and rewarding. I can’t tell you how I enjoy my days at Broken Wings. It’s not that I do all the teaching though, I’ve learnt so much from them too. As well as painting we do decoupage and craft work. Being here I can just be myself. It’s wonderful. We have quite a support group now who come along with me, including my mom and Mondays wouldn’t be the same without Broken Wings,” said Maggie.
One of Maggie’s favourite paintings is one she painted for her father. “He lived overseas in a small coastal village when he was a youngster. From a photograph he’d taken I did a painting. It is his pride and joy and even though the village looks much more commercialised now he can still look at the painting and remember how it was when he was just a boy,” Maggie said.
Seated: Maggie Houbert. Middle: Sandy Randall, Carrie Labuschagne, Hilda Theck, Denise Nelson, Glynis Mac Pherson, Jean Marshall, Margaret Whitley, Lynn Bollard, Laetitia Pretorius and Shirley Clough. Back: Sina Adâo, Edith Reynolds and Gracie Hart.
Maggie believes every one of us has a hidden talent and often people don’t realise they can paint until they try. “It’s such a marvellous feeling when you’ve painted a picture and you see just what you can do. Many students who’ve come to me for lessons don’t believe they’ll be able to paint and it comes as such a surprise to them when they take home their finished art. Each and every painting is absolutely original, it’s quite amazing,” concluded Maggie.
If you would like to contact Maggie, phone 084 771 7898.
