Meet the Brunswick artist who's passionate about 'Seaweed Designs'

After 22 years of creating coastal cottage home décor, Cathy MacQueen found a different way to stroke her paint brush. MacQueen started working in acrylics, and from there a new love developed.

The Ocean Isle Beach resident's next art exhibit, "Seaweed Designs," opens on Saturday, Feb. 4 and will be displayed through June 7 at the Museum of Coastal Carolina in Ocean Isle Beach.

"The exploration of blending colors, the creation of something new. It was a feeling like no other. I just have to express my inner child," MacQueen said.

What sparked her interest in art?

After moving to Ocean Isle Beach in November 2018, MacQueen started dabbling with acrylics in 2019. Working through fear, anxiety, frustration and joy, she felt a spark when picking up a paint brush to create a painting instead of painting furniture.

"I designed a line of coastal cottage furniture and home decor, from 1996 until 2009, and dreamed one day of painting like the talented local artist that worked with me painting my art ideas onto my pieces," MacQueen said.

MacQueen knew she was hooked when she sold her first painting at a farmers market.

Have you ever been a 'struggling artist'?

"As a new artist, I realize building a fanbase and developing buyers for my work is a gradual process that requires time and effort to establish myself in the art world," MacQueen said. "In early 2021, I found my 'voice' in regard to developing my own unique signature style, which is pop art-realism with a nod to abstract. My body of work is predominantly geared towards coastal and marine life plus a sprinkling of expressive florals.

"Over the past few years, I have worked hard to develop an online presence and build social media connections. My body of work is predominantly geared towards coastal and marine life plus a sprinkling of expressive florals. I would not want to give up on art and do anything else. There are many paintings in my brain waiting to get on canvas."

What inspires you?

MacQueen says inspiration is all around her from sea turtles, shore birds, marine life and seascapes. She is drawn to the ocean's colors and textures, the play of light on the water, and the movement of the waves, which all provide endless possibilities.

"Who isn't passionate about the conservation of endangered species and the preservation of the ocean and its ecosystem?" MacQueen said.

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A major influence for MacQueen was her experience one summer living aboard a 47-foot sailboat in The Abacos Islands of the Bahamas, swimming daily with the schools of fish, dolphins and stingrays.

"Art is a way to connect and express feelings, from memories of being a small child, playing in the tidal pools at Atlantic Beach all the way to adulthood in the Bahamas," MacQueen said. "It is the way of being moved by the beauty and power of nature."

Any criticism about painting?

After MacQueen signed up in 2008 for a local art class, she said the teacher looked at the abstract palm tree painting MacQueen was working on and announced to the class she did not have any talent.

Crushing MacQueen's spirit, she quit the class, but she didn't quit forever. Eleven years later, MacQueen gave painting a chance again.

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This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: A Brunswick County artist with a passion for 'Seaweed Designs'