More recently I have recovered from a cancer diagnosis, operation and treatment, which has lead me to be more aware of finding time to delight in things that bring me joy. Never being a beachgoer in my youth I have now surprisingly taken to the ocean enjoying snorkelling and beachcombing on a regular basis, 3-4 times a week.
1. Tell us about your background and journey.
I have lived in Sydney Australia all of my life. I took to photography later in adulthood, mainly as a mother photographing my two gorgeous children who are now young adults. I also love to travel, and photography has always played a big part in documenting my trips. My long term profession is as a preschool teacher and over the years I have found myself drawn to the art side of education and observing children create and engage with colour.More recently I have recovered from a cancer diagnosis, operation and treatment, which has lead me to be more aware of finding time to delight in things that bring me joy. Never being a beachgoer in my youth I have now surprisingly taken to the ocean enjoying snorkelling and beachcombing on a regular basis, 3-4 times a week.
In the last two years, I have discovered and enjoyed my new hobby of sea glass photography. I began an Instagram account to keep my photos together and to share them with friends. This quickly grew to over 15,000 followers, from many countries, and has connected me to many other sea glass collectors worldwide.
2. This stone photography is a very unique and beautiful art, how did you come up with this idea?
It was a very organic process. From the very first piece of sea glass that I found washed up on the beach, I became intrigued by the precious coloured glass. I began to do some research and discovered the ageing, smoothing and frosting process of the glass that occurs when tumbled in the sea over decades of time. More interesting to me is the variety and rarity of colours. Some pieces are over 100 years old likely from shipwrecks or from old bottles tossed into the sea from old jetties.
When I find enough sea glass pieces from a beachcomber, or from a snorkelling swim, I like to take them to the nearest rocks usually at the ends of the beach, which make such a beautiful backdrop. Or I like to use shells or driftwood I find on the day as props.
I also love to get down low and capture the glass on the sand, especially at first or last light. One of my rituals is to only photograph what I find that day on the beach where found. I don’t bring sea glass to the beach from home or previous finds. Some may say this is a purist approach. I say it’s just more of a fun challenge.
I head to the beach with the excitement of the unknown. I plan to go at low tide and on days with low wind if possible, but I am always surprised to find what the ocean has washed up. Every visit brings something new. Sometimes it’s rich in shells, or driftwood or sea glass. And on a lucky day all three.
I collect for about an hour, then photograph for usually another hour. I would say I let the creativity flow. Most days it flows easily and I come up with ideas just by looking at the colour combinations I have found on the day. I edit my photos at home and have no need to use filters at all. The glass and light hold their own beauty untouched.
4. How does it helps to maintain positivity?
Gratitude feeds positivity I have found. This sea glass hobby of mine is outdoors, and the beach comes with the rhythmic sound of the waves, sand on my feet and the sun on my back. So I feel I am feeding my soul, mind and body all at once. And I am grateful for that each time.
Gratitude feeds positivity I have found. This sea glass hobby of mine is outdoors, and the beach comes with the rhythmic sound of the waves, sand on my feet and the sun on my back. So I feel I am feeding my soul, mind and body all at once. And I am grateful for that each time.
5. Who do you admire the most and why?
My parents, without a doubt. They are both healthy and active at 78 and 83 years of age and are the perfect example of living a life of kindness and peace. They pause and reflect and listen. And they are the most positive-minded and wise people I know.
6. What will you say about finding happiness in small things?
I would say the small things are the big things. I feel finding happiness in the small things comes naturally to me. It always has. Whether I have subconsciously trained myself or whether it is just my temperament, I’m not sure, but I can easily say I find happiness in the small things daily.
I also strive to live in the moment, (a work in progress). I aim to stop and to breathe in the happy and beautiful spontaneous moments when they occur, and I endeavour to notice beauty in the small things in everyday life.
7. Which is your favourite book and why?
I am not a big reader and tend to watch movies and documentaries more. I do like memoirs, self-help books and nonfiction. I would say my current favourite book is sitting on my bedside table at this very moment. Gifted to me by my dear friend Vanna.
Phosphorescence by Julia Baird. It is a bestselling book that explores the impact of happiness and contentment on our health. The very same impact that sea glass has on me.
Maureen lives in Sydney, Australia. Her passion is sea glass and she finds most of her treasures when snorkelling. She likes to photograph her finds on the day and on the beach where they are found. Maureen is a preschool teacher who uses sea glass as a creative resource for learning and plays.
Interviewed By - Anshika Maurya
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