Angela tells her Story

Who are you, what do you do and why do you do it?

I am an artist who lives on the land in rural Victoria. I also have a background as a nurse which I began at an early age. The combination of being a woman on the farm and my understanding of the body are the over arching concepts for the majority of my painted artworks.

How has your practice changed over time?

My art practice has developed since 2013 and prior to that I was creative in other ways, particularly sewing and embroidery. I began drawing when I had a broken ankle and couldn’t work. Family and friends encouraged me to continue so I completed a Degree in Fine Arts & Visual Culture. Since I finished studying in 2016 I have painted most days with a preference for oils, however, I do use other mediums.

What art do you most identify with?

I am very drawn to both realism and surrealism. I particularly identify with storytelling in artwork and rarely paint without there being a message in the work. I am very inspired by other artists and could talk all things art everyday.

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Emily

What themes do you pursue?

My artwork tells a story about what it’s like being a woman, from my perspective, and how everything should be treated with respect, if not love. Whether that’s the ground we walk on, the sheep or dogs on the farm or the total environment that surrounds us.

What’s your scariest art experience?

What comes out of my head sometimes and I imagine others can see that in my artwork. Someone mentioned one time that my artwork is like a passion that’s barely contained. The subconscious thoughts expressed in an artwork is like exposing your soul and that can be frightening.

If you have one, what’s your favourite artwork?

This is one of my favourite artworks by another artist - Dorothea Tanning.

Eine Kleine Nachtmusik” (1943) by Dorothea Tanning

This is one of my favourite artworks at the moment.

Picnic on the Plains

Describe a real-life situation that inspired you?

The love and care for others that I see around me most days is inspirational.

What jobs have you done other than being an artist?

Nursing as a midwife to a manager.

Why is art important in todays’ society?

Art is very important to ground us with what really matters in life. It’s good for the soul from both an artist perspective to the viewers. It takes a snapshot in time referencing what’s happening in society. It’s a visual diary of life at that moment.

Sunset

Is your artistic life lonely or do you find living as an artist to be lonely?

I am mostly alone being on the farm or in the studio and I am happy in my own company. There’s always lots of virtual people around if you want to escape being alone. What do you dislike about the art world?

There does seem to be pretentious people and too much to who you know rather than how good your artwork is and this is probably because it’s a very competitive world. There is also too much emphasis on artists long gone rather than contemporary artists.

Flying Flamingos

What makes you angry?

Lack of respect and equality for all.

What is your dream project?

To get my story across the others and make connections through understanding.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

Be driven by your passion.

What superpower would you have and why?

Coercion to make people see things from all perspectives, like walking in others shoes.

Dance with Tree

Professionally, what’s your art goal?

I would like to be an artist who is both technically and conceptually recognised amongst my peers.

Do you have a favourite art tool and if so what is it and why?

My brushes are favourites and because I often have detailed paintings a small round is brilliant.

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