Ula Morgana

International Artist& Educator

Who Am I?
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who am i?

I’ve always been drawn to making things. I am a creative type. I am also a tall lady. This is important as it plays a major role in who I am, and how I came to be. My stature was ideal for physical activities growing up, alas, I could never “sport” properly. So, I sat down in a chair or crouched over the hot sidewalk, and drew and painted. Maybe that painting was with the waterhose, making swirly patterns on the driveway, or coloring all over the paper tablecloth waiting at a restaurant. Anyway, the point is, I have always enjoyed making things.
I went on to study art education at university. I was to become an art teacher, and share my joy of creating with children. Ha! The dream, right? After spending eight months of sitting on the couch, applying to schools all over the US, nothing was moving. So, I got up from the couch, admired the indentation my lovely rear-end made, and decided that the only way to go on from here was to make a huge, dramatic change. I was to move to Thailand three weeks later! (Thanks, Jess, for the inspo.) Life is one big drama and we should have fun with it. No?
I think when creating, there is no right or wrong way, just start making and see where the journey takes you. It is about getting “it” all out, so you can finally take a breath. Or feeling so incredibly happy that you have to cry and throw paint at the paper.Art was everywhere in Chiang Mai. The people, the plants, the colors, the food, the temples… Everything was so beautiful! It was here, surrounded by the jungle and warmed by the hot sun, that I decided how I wanted to live my life. And the best part? I was free.
That was in 2013, and I have since lived in South Korea, and now I am based in Athens, Greece! I am constantly inspired by the nature in these locations. The wild flora has been a recurring theme in my art. I love being able to layer colors, and play along with textures and patterns.I have spent my time teaching three to five year olds since my international journey began. What a pleasure it is to have a conversation with a three and a half year old! Truly, they are brilliant! Their minds are open, curious, untouched by social pressure. We start life as wildly creative beings. So what happens around age five that makes us doubt, hide, or hold back? I’ve made it my mission to help children hold onto that creative spark for as long as possible. With mindfulness and imagination, we thrive.
These children were some of my greatest teachers. Watching how freely they created, how unafraid they were to play with color and texture, it changed the way I saw art. And frankly, it inspired the way I make it.
My own art is a reflection of that looseness and joy. I don’t stick to one medium or one style. I like to experiment and let the process guide me. Most of my pieces begin loose and playful. I might blow watercolor across the page, letting it settle wherever it wants. The unpredictability of that moment feels freeing. I don’t try to control it. Rather, I respond to it. From there, I begin adding smaller, more detailed elements. Those details become a kind of meditation. The process slows me down and helps me tune in. It’s as much about feeling as it is about form.
Over the years, much of my art has been made for the people I love. I’ve created thank you cards, wedding place cards, handmade gifts, and small surprises for friends and family. I never really kept a record of what I made. I was more focused on the joy of creating and giving. But sometimes, years later, I would visit someone and see one of my pieces still hanging in their home. That feeling sticks with me. That is love.
This website is my way of honoring the creative path I’ve been on, and continuing to follow it with respect, joy, and the freedom to express.Thank you for reading. Let’s meet for a coffee and paint!Your friend,
Ula