Maurice Bouchard is an artist and caregiver whose career has taken a unique and meaningful path. Born and raised in Watkinsville, Georgia, he grew up surrounded by music, sports, and storytelling.
He played the clarinet through school, competed in local soccer, and developed a love for comic books, video games, and science fiction. These early passions shaped the creative outlook that guides his work today.
A graduate of Oconee County High School, Bouchard went on to study at the University of Georgia, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in 2012 as a Charter Scholar. He later completed certification as a nursing assistant, and spent several years in memory care and hospital settings. These roles taught him patience, focus, and empathy—qualities that continue to inform his approach to both art and life.
In recent years, Bouchard has embraced his role as a father and independent artist. His creative practice spans watercolor painting, 3D printing, guitar, and miniature painting for tabletop games such as Warhammer 40K. He views these pursuits as more than hobbies. For him, they represent leadership in communities where imagination and shared interests bring people together.
“Leadership is less about titles and more about impact,” he often says. His ability to bridge art, faith, and culture positions him as a quiet leader in creativity-driven spaces. By blending technical skill with storytelling, Maurice Bouchard Athens continues to inspire others to see value in the imaginative side of life.
Maurice Bouchard Athens on Creativity, Leadership, and Life
Can you tell us about your early years in Watkinsville and how they shaped you?
I grew up in Watkinsville, Georgia, and it was a place that gave me space to explore. I played soccer at Herman C Michael park and spent a lot of time with music, playing clarinet through school. Making All-State in school was a big moment for me. At home, I was reading comic books like One Piece, or playing games that defined the early 2000s like Elder Scrolls Morrowind and Star Craft II. Those interests built the base for how I see the world—through stories, characters, and imagination.
What role did your education at the University of Georgia play in your career?
Studying at UGA was a turning point. I graduated in 2012 and was proud to be recognized as a Charter Scholar. It wasn’t only about the degree, but about learning how to stay curious. I remember sitting in lectures and thinking, “How can I apply this beyond my time at the university?” That mindset carried into everything I’ve done since.
You’ve worked in memory care and hospitals before focusing on art. How did that experience influence you?
Working in caregiving roles taught me patience. At the memory care facility and later at the hospital, I had to pay close attention, to listen, and to care. Those lessons translate directly into art. Watercolour painting, for example, requires the same careful approach. You can’t rush it.
How do you describe your career now as both an artist and father?
It’s a mix of responsibility and creativity. My day might start with family routines, but then I move into painting, guitar, or 3D printing projects. Warhammer 40K miniatures are a great example—I enjoy the detail of painting them and the community around it. Art and family life flow together, and I see that as a career in itself.
What do you see as your role within creative communities like gaming or sci-fi fandome?
Leadership often comes from shared passions. In communities built around sci-fi shows or tabletop games, people come together because they love the same stories. If you help shape that space—through painting, sharing ideas, or just being consistent—you’re leading in your own way.
You’ve mentioned professional wrestling as an influence. How does that connect with your work?
Wrestling is storytelling in motion. It’s about drama, character, and pay-off. When I watch WWE or NXT, I see lessons in performance and resilience. In art, you need to create the same sense of anticipation and delivery. That link between entertainment and creation is powerful for me.
What role does faith play in your art and career
Faith and art connect deeply for me. Christianity shapes how I see purpose in my work. Both faith and painting ask you to look beyond what’s in front of you. They give me grounding and inspiration.
How do you define leadership in your own life?
Leadership is not always about being in charge of a company. It’s about impact. If someone looks at my painting and feels inspired, or if my hobbies spark a conversation that helps someone create, that’s leadership. Titles don’t matter as much as impact.
Looking ahead, what do you hope to achieve in your career?
I want to keep creating and keep connecting. Whether that’s through art, music, or shared communities, I hope my work encourages people to value imagination. The future for me is about staying consistent and showing that creativity has a place in everyday life.
What advice would you give to others who want to blend personal passions with career?
Start small, and understand that time is a key ingredient. Your hobbies can become part of your career if you nurture them. For me, art and gaming were hobbies, but over time they became central. If you keep creating, people will see value in what you bring.
