Indie Interview: Eden Fay
I am so pleased to introduce you to one of the newest members of Independent Oxford, the brilliant creative, Eden Fay.
I had a phenomenal chat with Eden learning all about her business, how she got to where she is today, and most importantly, what exactly mindful art is. Throughout the conversation, I resonated so much with what Eden was saying and it was so refreshing.
Let’s get into it!
We are so excited to have you join Independent Oxford. Please start off by telling us a bit more about yourself and what you do.
Hello, I am Eden! I call myself an artist and art facilitator. This means that besides creating my own art (which I will explain further later), I also facilitate art sessions. They are focused on being kind to yourself, relaxing and just having fun – things that we typically struggle to do as adults.
When did you start your own business?
Started it all in Summer 2019 (just before Covid).
Going back a bit, my background is in jewellery. My degree is in 3D design, which led me to work within the jewellery industry for several years, both selling and making it. This is where I discovered that interacting with people is what I enjoy most and when I feel myself. From this, things meandered and I did some assisting jobs and suddenly thought that I could start up my own thing. Covid helped me build my confidence as I had to move things online, which is a service I still offer today.
Can you take us through all the aspects of what you do?
Absolutely.
The first part is the online sessions. They are called ‘Meditate and Create’ which is exactly how it sounds. It kicks off with optional meditation and the rest of the session is based on a broad theme to give everyone a starting point, which participants can interpret in their own way. It provides a chance to slow down and create anything that they feel like in the moment.
The second bit is the in-person sessions that take place at my studio in Didcot. ‘Mindful Art Club’ has a similar structure to the online classes except that I provide the necessary materials. I focus on creating a friendly and supportive environment – I see myself as a creative cheerleader!
1-1 sessions are also available in person and online. This is more intimate, helping people play more and be in the present moment whilst creating art.
The final side is the freelance work, from delivering corporate art sessions to working with stroke survivors. My work with stroke survivors is such a unique experience that I absolutely love. I give them the space to create whatever they feel like – if they feel like they need more structure, I offer that too. I let them know that it’s okay to not colour within the lines and not have everything perfect. This is the same principle that I want them to apply to themselves – it’s okay to not get everything done perfectly as we feel pressured to. Just take one thing at a time.
What art do you sell?
My focus is on textile pieces. I really enjoy playing around with different ways to decorate them. Quilted wall hangings and the originals are also part of the mix, alongside hand-painted earrings.
The main thing is that I try to work around the fact that I want to make art that people happen to want to buy and not to make it with the purpose of selling (which is a lot harder than it sounds).
Were you always artistic and crafty from a young age? How did you discover your passion for art and mindfulness?
Yes, for as long as I can remember, I have always been an artsy person. It’s always been part of me. The main thing that has changed is that my art is more intuitive now where I focus on the process rather than the finished piece which leads right into the mindfulness side of it.
Tell us more about your creative well-being sessions and how exactly you run these.
Creative well-being is a phrase that I love. It’s all about taking time for yourself by creating art.
We get so easily caught up in the space where we feel like we have to keep working for money and achieving high productivity levels – something I have been through myself.
These sessions are focused on the actual process – the making of the art and not the end piece. I want people to be in the present moment whether it’s looking at how the colours mix together or simply focusing on the paintbrush on the paper.
As adults, we get caught up in so much but we always need to take a moment to be more present and focus on being gentle with ourselves – there is so much to be learned from art.
“More about the moment to moment, not the finished piece. It’s about the experience, not the end product.”
What exactly does it mean to be a mindful art facilitator?
That is a question!
It is about holding space and helping people to take the pressure off themselves with their art. As kids, we are always told to ‘play’ which is something that we lose as we grow up but my sessions are centered on bringing this element of ‘play’ back to life.
I am not here to teach you how to make art better but instead to explore, play and essentially make a mess – cause that is okay.
Are there any artists that inspire you?
The first person that comes to mind is Herve Tullet – I love his general vibe.
There is also Mary-Helen and Shauna Kaendo.
I discovered Mary-Helen and Shauna Kaendo over Covid and participated in some of their workshops. It helped bring out my creativity and opened my eyes to a new way of making things. Prior to this, I was still stuck in the whole “you need to make pretty art in a certain way” concept. They showed me that art can be as simple as scribbling and that there are so many different ways to approach it.
I learn so much about myself through art. It helps me let myself go.
What are some memorable experiences you have had so far from a workshop you have facilitated?
Genuinely, anytime where someone tells me “I needed this,” which actually happens very often.
Connecting with people and being humans together is such a beautiful thing. Working out how to get through life together by simply having some paint in our hands – I just love it.
How do you believe art can contribute to mental health and wellbeing?
The two are very intertwined. You can really regulate yourself by creating art. Being present and focusing on what you are doing at the moment allows you to process things as they happen rather than always having loud thoughts and focusing on the end piece. It is also a great distraction that can help prevent burnout and calm your nervous system.
Mindfulness is about right now and not having a plan. Being present means your art can be creative rather than wishing it were different – a beautiful metaphor for our thoughts.
“I feel like it is important to say that this is theraputic art and NOT art therapy.”
How do you balance your own creativity and creative needs alongside facilitating workshops? A lot of people struggle to make their passion their work. Any tips on how to balance this to avoid any negative situations?
I love going to other art sessions that I am not leading. This helps me maintain my love for art without feeling like I am in work mode. Oh and I am also doing some crocheting which is still art but in a different form from my day-to-day which helps regulate my creativity.
What advice would you give to someone interested in pursuing a career in mindful art facilitation?
Find art that resonates with you. Once you find your inspiration, build off of that.
Eden Fay just launched a snazzy brand-new website.
There are several ways you can work with Eden whether it’s joining a workshop or setting up a 1-1, all details can be found on the website.
