ArtIST: Kirsten Angel

All Images Credit: Kirsten Angel, All Rights Reserved

This week's ArtIST is Kirsten Angel, a New Jersey native whose current series of paintings feature floral scenes. Driven by an interest in nature, pattern, and the organic lines, Kirsten's floral watercolors reflect the relationship the artist forges with each bloom, petal, and leaf of her subjects.

Hi Kirsten. First off, please describe your artistic style in five words.
Natural, playful, patterned, linear, fluid.

Can you explain how you came to focus your talents on florals?
I have been fighting the urge to paint beautiful things my whole life in fear of being cliched. Since having my son, I stopped caring about being judged and just started making work that I think is beautiful. There is always some kind of story, though. I started painting this series of flowers when I went to my parents' house for a visit. I wanted to capture the romantic gesture of my stepfather bringing home flowers for my mother every Friday night. It's so old-fashioned, but my mother really looks forward to seeing what flowers will be there on the table each week. She started taking pictures of the flowers and sending them to me and that started me painting. It's evolved from there.

Who, in your opinion, is most receptive to your artwork?
The vague answer is anyone who like flowers and landscapes. Traditionally, watercolors are very light and transparent, but the ink makes them more modern like illustrations. They would be great as patterns on clothing or wallpaper. They are bright, pretty, and sometimes fun.

Could you tell us a little bit about your artistic process?
I look for patterns everywhere. They wind up in the background of my work. I find them on couch cushions, pillows, clothing, neckties, paper, in nature, bathroom tiles. I copy them down in a sketchbook when I find a really good one that I don't want to forget.

What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?
Having my son. He has made me realize how small we all are in the grand scheme of things. Having him allowed me to really try to make work that I love making without trying to please anyone but myself. It turned out that I have been able to please myself and others as well in the end, because I am doing what is true to me.