Margaret Fleeman: Weaving Mystical Journeys and Bold Creativity Through Art
Margaret Fleeman's artistic journey began with an unexpected and profound twist in her early twenties, during her time in New York City. What started as a promising venture into the world of art was suddenly interrupted by a mysterious condition: Writer’s Cramp. Overnight, her hands became weak, making it difficult to hold objects and limiting her ability to create.
What could have been a devastating setback instead fueled her quest for understanding. This health challenge set her on a path of self-discovery, leading her to explore self-healing practices rooted in yoga, mysticism, and metaphysics. It was a turning point that deepened both her life and art, as she sought to understand the intricate mind-body connection.
Her exploration of alchemy, not as a literal transformation of matter but as a metaphor for personal growth, became a foundation for her artistic expression. For Margaret, art became a way to process and depict emotional, psychological, and spiritual evolution. Her abstract, symbolic style uses bold colors and mystical imagery to represent unseen forces that shape our lives.
Whether through metaphors of transformation or universal themes, her work speaks to the ongoing journey of self-actualization—a journey she believes is ever-changing.
Another driving force behind Margaret’s creative expression is her deep love for travel. She has ventured across the globe, from Europe to Asia and the Middle East, absorbing cultural influences that permeate her work. “The cultural influence in symbolism is huge, given my love for symbols and storytelling,” she explains. Margaret is particularly inspired by the intricate carvings she encounters, from ancient hieroglyphs to rock carvings, which find their way into her own symbolic language depicted throughout her works. Textiles, too, have played a significant role in her travels, sparking new ideas for texture and pattern in her pieces.
Drawing from her background in textile design, Margaret infuses her art with rich textures and intricate color palettes. Her early experiences in developing textiles, with their surface patterns and hues, have influenced her approach to painting. She uses tools like the squeegee, reminiscent of her fabric-silkscreening days, to create dynamic shapes and patterns on canvas. Over time, her techniques have evolved, and currently enjoys experimenting with layers to achieve depth in her work.
The hero’s journey—both as a concept and a personal reality—is a recurring theme in Margaret’s work. This narrative of transformation resonates deeply with her, not only as an artist but as a person. She sees each creative project as a metaphor for the process of self-actualization and evolution. Her goal is to create a connection with viewers through this universal theme, inviting them to find meaning in their own lives through her symbolic and mystical representations.
A passionate scuba diver, Margaret finds herself drawn to the beauty of underwater landscapes, which she notes, is eager to explore in future projects. She envisions her art not just as a form of personal expression, but as a way to raise awareness about sustainability and environmental conservation.
Her interest in sustainability extends beyond subject matter; Looking ahead, Margaret aspires to integrate this environmental focus with her artistic career, dreaming of collaborations with conservation organizations. She hopes to create a body of work that not only highlights the beauty of nature but also supports meaningful causes through fundraising initiatives.
As a member of the Guild, Margaret has found a community of fellow artists and a wealth of inspiration. The connections she has made within Charlotte’s art scene have been invaluable, offering opportunities for collaboration, learning, and growth.
She hopes the Guild will continue to expand its reach, creating more platforms for artists to showcase their work in diverse settings like corporate spaces and museums.
Margaret Fleeman’s journey is a compelling tale of resilience, growth, and constant reinvention. From the sudden onset of Writer’s Cramp to her profound spiritual reflections and worldly travels, Margaret has turned every challenge into an opportunity for creative expression. Her work is not just a reflection of her own life—it’s an invitation for others to explore their own journeys of transformation. And when she starts engaging her art with advocacy, her impact will extend far beyond the canvas, reaching into the realms of both the mystical and the environmental.
You can find more about Margaret at
https://www.margaretfleemanstudio.com/
and she welcomes a follow on IG at
https://www.instagram.com/margaretfleemanstudio/