About Me

Hello, I’m Maeve Payntr; fine artist, fantasy illustrator, creative architectural designer, and writer. I also dabble in fiber arts and jewelry making and hold an interest in filmmaking as well as fashion design. I am from Philadelphia, PA, USA but consider myself a member of the collective global village. Peace and love man!

Art has been a part of my life since I was old enough to grip a crayon and drag it across a piece of paper. Born of two creative parents, my Dad who is also a painter of fine art, a design draftsman and a poet, my Mom who is a cosmetologist, seamstress and handicraft master. I pursued art studies at every opportunity that came my way. Summer programs at Hallahan and Moore College. A visual arts major at CAPA in Philadelphia where I received the award for excellence in Graphic Art. I pursued architecture at the beginning of my college career at what is now Philadelphia University and completing my degree at the University of the Arts in 1997 with a BFA in Illustration.

I work with colored pencil on colored paper or mat board; and acrylic paint on canvas or illustration board. I enjoy creating fantasy illustrations or abstract paintings. I have been drawn to the realms of fantasy and paranormal subject matter my entire life. I can only ascertain that the concept of the unknown, distant worlds and the possibility of what could be are what I find interesting enough to depict in my art. The process of abstract painting is the rawest and primal way to express emotion and wordless thought. I can say things in color and light that is only recognizable by another soul who speaks that language. I also have a passion for designing residential homes full of creative quirkiness and fantastical charm. The idea of a structure that reflects the various facets of the soul is unlike any other way of designing. I work diligently to break the rules and embrace the art.

I also work on writing fictional stories, set both in fantasy realms as well as modern day environments. I enjoy the process of developing characters and seeing them transform into beings we can relate to, or even strive to be. I wish to engage the reader so that they forget about their own lives, for a time and become immersed in the world of the character. To feel through someone else and be empowered as a result. I’m currently working on my first novel.

With my formal education out of the way, for the most part, I entered the working world to find there was no place for me. Lacking in graphic computer skills, and my manual talent not being enough, I joined the office grunge and lost sight of myself and submitted to a creative hiatus.

And so the journey began…

My personal experiences and interactions with members in the arts community led me to think that I could not have a career in art. I tried to hold on to my dream but thinking that everyone else was right, I gave up and started the process of following predetermined plans made by others. But, let me let you in on a secret…when you are destined to make a ripple effect in the world and be a source of motivation to the masses, the Universe carves a detour to get you back on your path when you find yourself lost.

It began firstly with a sudden unexpected illness of Grave’s disease. Nothing shakes you to your core with regard to finding your life purpose than illness. Following my treatment, I began to seek out ways to heal faster and more fully and take back my life. I knew I wanted to get out of the office and engage in more meaningful work but I didn’t know what that was. A training program in Health Coaching caught my eye as a means to heal and serve on a greater scale. It was the first time I ever considered being my own boss and leaving the office world forever. It was during this year-long program that my passion for art was reignited. I learned how important is was for my well-being among other lifestyle aspects. I left the office environment and continued my education and became certified in Life Coaching as well. All the while thinking that I could make a greater impact in the world only as a coach.

It was during my unemployment that I immersed myself in an earth-centered spiritual practice which in turn led me back to the easel. It was the first time I had painted since graduating college. It was like discovering a part of me that I forgot was there. I allowed myself to experiment with acrylics and discover a love for abstract art. I wasn’t done though. Finally, as I failed beautifully while trying to build my coaching practice did I hear my hearts’ true desire. I wasn’t ready to hear it until then.

How could I be a coach and guide other artists to fulfill their dreams when I never had mine? Once I sat with this realization, I heard me. The real me. The me who was silently screaming all these years not to give up, that the world needed me. The time had finally come where I had learned the lessons and came thru the other end with full awareness of my power and purpose.

Through my art, I aim to comfort, inspire and instill hope to those souls who need it most. To teach that creative self-expression is healing and empowering. That we can improve the lives of those around us and leave the world better than we found it. It is my wish to develop collections and/or projects that can contribute immensely towards charity. To collaborate with others and spread messages of peace and love. To set afire the passion of imagination in as many people as I can and support all those with a dream to pursue it and manifest a beautifully magickal life.

I am a multi-passionate creative light on a mission to guide others out of the dark.