I’ve known my whole life that I am an
artist. Maybe living in both France and Italy when I was a child
influenced my love of art. I do remember a teacher asking me when I was about 9
or 10 years old, what I wanted to be when I grew up and I answered her questions
with the response “an artist”.
While I admire artists like Louise
Bourgeoise, Eva Hesse, Agnes Martin and Anselm Kiefer, my inspiration is always
from my own life experiences.
I have been in my studio at Artists
& Makers Studios in Rockville, Maryland, for five years. I chose to join the
studio when they first opened to experience being part of a large artist
community and be near my home. Previously, I maintained a studio in Dupont
Circle in Washington, DC, for 13 years.
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| Morning Light, Oil on Canvas, 16”x20” |
As a painter, physical, spiritual and
emotional memories inspire the visual depth and density of my work. Through the
use of art materials, these journeys, turning points, and the inevitable return
to new beginnings are recorded. Abstracts and seascapes compose the majority of
my compositions.
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| Coming to Light, Encaustic on Wood, 10”x10” |
By superimposing layers of media, the
varied themes and processes of my work are exposed. Materials for each image
are selected based on what best fit that particular series. Natural and sensual
materials such as oils and encaustic paint allow the blending of edges to
create visual depth. Mixed media allows for another kind of mysterious and
contemplative work. Different kinds of mark making are incorporated including
specific symbols such as an alphabet that I created. Overlays of acrylic and
gold leaf often enhance these works as well.
I usually have an idea of what I want
to accomplish in terms of imagery so when I arrive at my studio, I can begin
working. As I begin laying out the materials and colors, I am centering myself
and becoming focused to work.
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| Intention, Acrylic on Gold Leaf, 18”x24” |
My seascapes are not literal interpretations;
rather, they articulate the quiet mystery and power of the natural world. By
showing constant movement, natural rhythm, and a sense of place, these works
communicate awareness. Such awareness of the intricacies of nature emphasize
that we are all a part of everything. There is no real separation between the
air, earth, water and humanity. When
viewing paintings of these seemingly lonely places that are actually brimming
with life, the objective is to transport the viewer to a feeling of
connectedness.
The Washington area has been my home
for most of my adult life. I have many friends in the creative community,
great studio relationships, and a wonderful gallery relationship with Wohlfarth
Gallery in North East, Washington,
DC.
Each series of my artwork has it’s
own most significant paintings. My new solo show at Wohlfarth Gallery, opening
April 14th, of ‘Marshes, Seas and Mountains’, has been inspired by
my visits to the East Coast to visit my mother and the West Coast to visit my
son. This exhibit is composed of several very personally meaningful works that
were created in response to my experience of these journeys. Calm Before the Storm, Assateague Island Marsh and In Between Space are some of the
most significant works in this series for this show.
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| In Between Space, Encaustic on Wood, 6”x6” |
Le Point Sensible stands out as the most significant of my body print series, Transition stands out as the most
significant of my abstract encaustic series and Sigil Magic is, so far, the most significant of my ongoing gold
leaf abstract series.
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| Le Point Sensible, Body Print |
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| Sigil Magic, Acrylic on Gold Leaf, 18”x36" |
Washington, DC is a diverse and
interesting area for an artist to live. There are many opportunities and if one
choses their priorities carefully, they can cultivate a balanced, creative, and
meaningful life.
This is Week 12 of Artists Tell Their Stories. Thank you for reading and sharing Angela’s story today. To see
more of Angela’s work and connect with her, please visit the following links:
