About Brush Stroke

My name is Cass Maz and I am a visual artist, performer, comedian and most importantly an advocate. I was put on earth, in this particular situation to bridge the gap between the able world and the hidden world of disability. Tonight I am here to welcome you into the fold by revealing to you my work and my story. 

 

On my 26th birthday, I hosted a paint and sip and the instructor taught different techniques I could use with my ataxia (shaky limbs). I was amazed that I could tell what my creation was! Learning those techniques inspired me to pursue painting and to learn more about visual art. This pivotal moment set me on my artistic journey and changed the path of my life forever. I discovered a new world.  

 

I don’t know why but I love the feeling of having dirty hands after I paint because it feels like a job well done and I know I have truly been immersed in the world of paint that only I can know.

Painting completely envelopes my thoughts. When I am painting I am at peace. I get so honed in and focused on creating that I can forget all the intrusive thoughts, my creativity is a force field against the negativity of my life. 

 

There are so many times where I have looked at pieces of my work and been surprised that I can create the work that I do! After a decade of creating I have been able to look back and be inspired by my artistic journey and all of the creativity that has brought me to where I am today. 

 

I dabble in many different mediums. I use pencil to do sketches and I also use alcohol ink on my ceramic work. What I find most exciting  as a medium is gouache. Gouache is interesting to me because I can either apply it thickly or in thin layers. I find you can do more based on the thickness or thinness of gouache because even though it is not a very forgiving medium, gouache fills a very specific need and works in the way that I want. I use gouache for fine details in my smaller works and in my larger paintings I use acrylic.  

 

This year I am pursuing more performance opportunities. I am in the musical “Magic Beans” with the spirit project and the musical is  going to be presented at the Fredericton Playhouse in April. I am doing improv with Solo Chicken here in Fredericton and I have had several comedy shows across New Brunswick.  I am open for commissions and performance opportunities. I would also love to hear from you if you are an artist looking to collaborate . You can contact me at: email