Meet Monica Harris of Portage

Today we’d like to introduce you to Monica Harris

Hi Monica, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My background is as a science teacher – biology, chemistry, life sciences, human anatomy & physiology BUT my life has taken me to several opportunities overseas so the ability to teach in languages I am not fluent in were non-existent. During those times, I began writing children’s books and I loved the creative process! Playing with words and finding interesting topics for young readers really sparked something in me.

When I returned to the states, I found myself craving additional creative ventures. I volunteered at the local schools to help students create blankets for those in need. I offered cooking classes in my home for teenagers so they could gain confidence with techniques and flavors. Bellydancing allowed me to use creativity in a physical form! In addition, I often sewed my own costumes or for other in my dance troupe.

Years ago, I created the method of Meditative Doodling and still teach it today. It is a fabulous method for dealing with anxiety, stress, depression, and loneliness. The method involves connecting emotions to shapes and colors — that’s it! For those who feel they’re not “artistic”, I point out that everyone has doodled at some point and that’s all that Meditative Doodling does.

Last year, my father passed away and I had to move my mother, who has dementia, into a living facility. It’s been an extremely difficult time for me but, once again, creativity is what helps me. I found solace in drying citrus peels and then turning them into mushrooms. I used items I found during beach strolls or forest hikes to create mushroom gardens. Sliced orange slices make adorable fox faces that can hang anywhere. (Plus they smell good!). Each creation, either on driftwood or in a teacup, helped me see the beauty of the world and feel hope. Creativity is my saving grace when it comes to life’s difficult times.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Since creativity blooms for me when life is difficult, I don’t look at it as “difficult road” – rather an opportunity to try something new. That being said, taking my creations and putting them into the public eye has been humbling. It is always lovely to hear someone say “These are so cool!” or “How creative! I never would have thought of that.” Words like these are always uplifting; they remind me why I do creative endeavors.

When it comes to making my creations financially feasible, that is where some of the difficulty can arise. Art fairs charge quite a bit for a booth or table. Consignment shops are hesitant to take on new artists or they are already full. One thing I tried was to have a pop-up sale event in my driveway here I only invited women-owned creators. I didn’t charge them to participate as it was an event for everyone to shine. Plus, if someone came for the vendor who sold soap, they might look at my mushroom gardens and fall in love with one!

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m rather eclectic as an artist so perhaps that is what sets me apart from others! I don’t focus on just one type of art; I try to follow where my muse takes me. My muse inspires me to:

1. Play with words for children’s books
2. Create gift tags using deconstructed clothespins
3. Doodle images on recycled book pages or sheet music
4. Dry citrus peels to make mushrooms
5. Use things in nature to create mushroom gardens – driftwood, lanterns, cups, etc.
6. Knit warm winter items for those in need.
7. Decoupage sea shells for a lovey centerpiece

This isn’t the end of the list either! I will continue to grab the creative opportunities that arise.

What was your favorite childhood memory?
When I was in elementary school, we lived on a large plot of land. We were able to have a garden, raise geese and rabbits, adventure into the woods, play in a creek, and hike for miles. My fondest memories are being able to venture out in the morning and return by dinnertime. My parents didn’t worry and I was free to get as dirty as I wanted to.

Having the freedom to explore, catch frogs, chase the geese, pick snacks fresh from the garden…..that’s a wonderful childhood.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thedoodlingduchess.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedoodlingduchess/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedoodlingduchess
• Other: https://www.facebook.com/monicaharrisbooks/