People often ask how Hawaii Fluid Art got its start. Here is the story of the remarkable woman who turned her vision into reality.
While living on the Hawaiian Islands, Maya Ratcliff, founder of Hawaii Fluid Art, was searching for a hobby to ease her pandemic-induced boredom. She had worked as a corporate banker and then in the mortgage industry, so painting was not in her skill set. In fact, she says, “I was bad at all of it.” She tried oil painting, watercolors, and acrylics before a happy accident led her to discover the art form that would change her life forever.
As Ratcliff was in the middle of an attempt at acrylic painting, she stumbled upon a way to create a liquid-pouring medium that allows anyone of any age or skill level to create a masterpiece. She began teaching fluid art classes in her garage and soon had people driving as far as two-and-a-half hours each way to attend a class. Among her first clients were people with disabilities, such as traumatic brain injuries, who enjoyed the therapeutic benefits of creating artwork.
Ratcliff understands that people want a feeling of comfort in their art studios, so she strives to ensure that every Hawaii Fluid art studio is warm and welcoming, and above all, it instills a sense of healing in all who come through its doors.
As she continues to grow her thriving franchise throughout the U.S.–and beyond, Ratcliff has never lost sight of Hawaii Fluid Art’s mission:
To inspire and nurture the human spirit, one painting at a time.
