If you are floating along our frequency, you will have stumbled across Monique Fedor‘s paintings at some point. Greeting the world as a ‘night time painter’, her work is part poetic, part other-worldly, but mostly just inspirational.
Monique’s painting ‘Searching for Solace’ took on another form, as I worked day (and night) to transform it into a scent as captivating as the painting that inspired it. A wearable piece of art telling the tale of the rush of the wave crashing on the slate rocks and then the calming of the sea as it regains it’s composure. An ode to my home on the southern stormy shorelines of South Australia. So treasured is this painting, that a copy is included with your order from our online store, a gift, so you can adore it and better understand the Solace scent. I sat down with Monique recently to ask all the important questions in life. I hope you enjoy reading the answers…..
[Amanda:] “Whenever I stare into one of your paintings, you feel as though you are there in that moment. It is an artform in itself to be able to achieve this. What do you hope for those experiencing your paintings?”
[Monique:] “Well… I’m beginning by already tearing up. To respond this way to my art is all I could dream of. If I’m ever able to bring someone to stop, slow down and connect with how they’re feeling in that moment, that’s utterly magical to me.”
[A:] “We are creatures of our habits and it often has me wondering, those moments we break our habits, what becomes of that. Tell me about the very moment, you decided to undertake ‘night time’ painting. What was it that you told yourself in that very moment?”
[M:] “The moment my “normal” habits broke was the same moment my world broke.
I lost my dad traumatically and very quickly, completely out of nowhere.
We had always been creative together and right before he passed away we were learning to paint side by side. (I have one of his completed paintings on my studio desk and it’s one of my most precious possessions)
When he got sick he always encouraged me to continue pursuing painting no matter how inadequate I felt…I think as my dad could see so clearly how much joy art brought to my life.
Since then I threw myself into painting like I’d never done before and if painting at night was my only option then that is what I did and now still do.”
[A:] “Do you wish for anything more than what you are and have right now?”
[M:] “To be completely honest I’m genuinely scared of growing my audience. I realise this sounds very silly but sharing my work with a larger number of people terrifies me. So, I’m very happy where I am regarding that but I do have dreams to travel and capture those moments and memories in paint!
I’m very excited to share those dreams have recently become my reality and you’ll be seeing some traveling content coming soon!!! Ahhh!!! Pinch me!”
[A:] “Art, business and home spaces fascinate me and I know, many of our readers. Describe to everyone reading at home how you set up your work space. Paint us a picture.”
[M:] “To paint the scene…let’s begin with the smell. My studio (aka guest room) has a the very distinct smell of oil paint and linseed oil. I happen to love this dreamy pair and find it very inspiring. I work from a beautifully aged wood desk that has oil paints and an extensive range of brushes pouring out of its drawers. Right next to my desk is my upright piano that now acts as a “drying rack” of sorts for my recently finished and very wet paintings balancing precariously on every conceivable surface. Packing materials and palettes are strewn about the place but I know one day I’ll have a studio of my own and will no longer share my space with guests…for now I’m happy here, it’s still an upgrade from my previous studio (the kitchen table haha) ! “
[A:] “What would be your dream to work on?”
[M:] “My dream… this may sound cheesy as, but I feel like I’m already there ! I love working on little collections surrounding different themes and connecting with people who have been so kind to share their stories and experiences with little old me. Maybe I could do with dreaming a little harder but I feel in this moment I’m already living my dream.”
[A:] “Late last year, our Solace scent made it’s way to your special part of the world. How do you think the Solace painting and the scent sing together? What parts of them do you see in each other?”
[M:] “When I look at the figure in my painting I see a woman searching for her strength and finding the courage to face the world…to me the “solace” scent has a similar sense of courage. It’s uniquely its own while finding a soft strength within its notes. A magical pairing indeed and a massive honor I won’t soon forget!”
[A:] “There is a part of me that believes in something greater than all of us. And I have a feeling when I look to the stars, the answers are there.”
[M:] “Aren’t the stars phenomenal?! Looking into the expanse of the sky has always been a deep experience full of wonderment ! Although I don’t personally follow star signs I do have an energy coach who helps me to better myself and understand why in certain instances I may lack the confidence to share my work as an artist. I’m very lucky to have her guidance.”
[A:] “If you weren’t painting, what else would you be doing?”
[M:] “I used to be a piano teacher. I love romantic classical pieces and probably would’ve continued learning and teaching if art hadn’t come to mean so much to me.”
[A:] “We all need a break away from our four walls and our home. For me, this is the time I dip into my thoughts and it inspires my creations. Where is your favourite place to rest and to gain perspective and inspiration?”
[M:] “Ahh the elusive rest and reset! I find this extremely difficult at this stage in my life running after my babies one of which doesn’t like sleep all that much…I think painting is my rest and rest at the moment. The quiet moment between mixing colours and dancing the texture around the paper slowly bringing a painting to life is so healing and beautifully singular for my mind. That’s where I slow my breath and gain that much needed perspective.”
[A:] “How do you see the world?”
[M:] “I see the world very differently after loss. The beauty is much brighter and ever fragile, while the darkness of the world is much deeper and present than I thought. Moments of connection and sharing experiences mean so much more to me now and to be able to share my story here is very special to me. Thank you x “
[A:] “A deep felt thank you to Monique for sharing her world of art with me, and I know all of you that are tuning in. You will find a Monique Fedor ‘Solace’ print in every Rewild Co order – our GIFT TO YOU! We hope you frame it, keep it and treasure it.”
To see more of Monique’s work visit Monique’s website for limited edition originals, prints & commissions.
A World of Art – with our Summer in-house artist, Monique Fedor
Monique’s painting ‘Searching for Solace’ took on another form, as I worked day (and night) to transform it into a scent as captivating as the painting that inspired it. A wearable piece of art telling the tale of the rush of the wave crashing on the slate rocks and then the calming of the sea as it regains it’s composure. An ode to my home on the southern stormy shorelines of South Australia. So treasured is this painting, that a copy is included with your order from our online store, a gift, so you can adore it and better understand the Solace scent. I sat down with Monique recently to ask all the important questions in life. I hope you enjoy reading the answers…..
[Amanda:] “Whenever I stare into one of your paintings, you feel as though you are there in that moment. It is an artform in itself to be able to achieve this. What do you hope for those experiencing your paintings?”
[Monique:] “Well… I’m beginning by already tearing up. To respond this way to my art is all I could dream of. If I’m ever able to bring someone to stop, slow down and connect with how they’re feeling in that moment, that’s utterly magical to me.”
[A:] “We are creatures of our habits and it often has me wondering, those moments we break our habits, what becomes of that. Tell me about the very moment, you decided to undertake ‘night time’ painting. What was it that you told yourself in that very moment?”
[M:] “The moment my “normal” habits broke was the same moment my world broke.
I lost my dad traumatically and very quickly, completely out of nowhere.
We had always been creative together and right before he passed away we were learning to paint side by side. (I have one of his completed paintings on my studio desk and it’s one of my most precious possessions)
When he got sick he always encouraged me to continue pursuing painting no matter how inadequate I felt…I think as my dad could see so clearly how much joy art brought to my life.
Since then I threw myself into painting like I’d never done before and if painting at night was my only option then that is what I did and now still do.”
[A:] “Do you wish for anything more than what you are and have right now?”
[M:] “To be completely honest I’m genuinely scared of growing my audience. I realise this sounds very silly but sharing my work with a larger number of people terrifies me. So, I’m very happy where I am regarding that but I do have dreams to travel and capture those moments and memories in paint!
I’m very excited to share those dreams have recently become my reality and you’ll be seeing some traveling content coming soon!!! Ahhh!!! Pinch me!”
[A:] “Art, business and home spaces fascinate me and I know, many of our readers. Describe to everyone reading at home how you set up your work space. Paint us a picture.”
[M:] “To paint the scene…let’s begin with the smell. My studio (aka guest room) has a the very distinct smell of oil paint and linseed oil. I happen to love this dreamy pair and find it very inspiring. I work from a beautifully aged wood desk that has oil paints and an extensive range of brushes pouring out of its drawers. Right next to my desk is my upright piano that now acts as a “drying rack” of sorts for my recently finished and very wet paintings balancing precariously on every conceivable surface. Packing materials and palettes are strewn about the place but I know one day I’ll have a studio of my own and will no longer share my space with guests…for now I’m happy here, it’s still an upgrade from my previous studio (the kitchen table haha) ! “
[A:] “What would be your dream to work on?”
[M:] “My dream… this may sound cheesy as, but I feel like I’m already there ! I love working on little collections surrounding different themes and connecting with people who have been so kind to share their stories and experiences with little old me. Maybe I could do with dreaming a little harder but I feel in this moment I’m already living my dream.”
[A:] “Late last year, our Solace scent made it’s way to your special part of the world. How do you think the Solace painting and the scent sing together? What parts of them do you see in each other?”
[M:] “When I look at the figure in my painting I see a woman searching for her strength and finding the courage to face the world…to me the “solace” scent has a similar sense of courage. It’s uniquely its own while finding a soft strength within its notes. A magical pairing indeed and a massive honor I won’t soon forget!”
[A:] “There is a part of me that believes in something greater than all of us. And I have a feeling when I look to the stars, the answers are there.”
[M:] “Aren’t the stars phenomenal?! Looking into the expanse of the sky has always been a deep experience full of wonderment ! Although I don’t personally follow star signs I do have an energy coach who helps me to better myself and understand why in certain instances I may lack the confidence to share my work as an artist. I’m very lucky to have her guidance.”
[A:] “If you weren’t painting, what else would you be doing?”
[M:] “I used to be a piano teacher. I love romantic classical pieces and probably would’ve continued learning and teaching if art hadn’t come to mean so much to me.”
[A:] “We all need a break away from our four walls and our home. For me, this is the time I dip into my thoughts and it inspires my creations. Where is your favourite place to rest and to gain perspective and inspiration?”
[M:] “Ahh the elusive rest and reset! I find this extremely difficult at this stage in my life running after my babies one of which doesn’t like sleep all that much…I think painting is my rest and rest at the moment. The quiet moment between mixing colours and dancing the texture around the paper slowly bringing a painting to life is so healing and beautifully singular for my mind. That’s where I slow my breath and gain that much needed perspective.”
[A:] “How do you see the world?”
[M:] “I see the world very differently after loss. The beauty is much brighter and ever fragile, while the darkness of the world is much deeper and present than I thought. Moments of connection and sharing experiences mean so much more to me now and to be able to share my story here is very special to me. Thank you x “
[A:] “A deep felt thank you to Monique for sharing her world of art with me, and I know all of you that are tuning in. You will find a Monique Fedor ‘Solace’ print in every Rewild Co order – our GIFT TO YOU! We hope you frame it, keep it and treasure it.”
To see more of Monique’s work visit Monique’s website for limited edition originals, prints & commissions.