International Women’s Day with Renowned Artist Angie Dennis

Angie Dennis
Angie is an artist who explores her thoughts directly onto canvas. Discussions at home or with friends are transformed into symbols and characters which then play out narratives in her compositions. Angie’s works allude to visual productions, each component part of a greater story for us to explore. 

What has surprised you the most so far on your creative journey?

How I’m still managing to create new pieces each year that your customers still buy!  I paint during Feb – July and then release my new range in September, I’m always so nervous about how people will respond. I’m always trying to create something that’s different but also true to my identity as an artist.

Who inspired you to fulfil your creative journey- what was your initial inspiring moment?

My parents have always encouraged me to do something I love, but I was working in a corporate environment and just felt like a square peg in a round hole.  I went to awomen in business conference and saw a number of amazing successful female speakers, includingTrelise Cooper who sharedtheir journey and that definitely gave me the momentum to start my own business…the one message I got from this was take baby steps and set yourself small goals each week.

What are the biggest challenges you have faced in your journey thus far and how have you overcome them?

When you run your own business  you have to put on many different hats, customer service/creative/accounts/sales/IT – so I’ve learnt to allocate different days for my different positions in the company.  Putting my artwork out for public viewing can be really nerve wracking…the images I  produce are based on personal experiences but I make sure that I never disclose the full meaning behind each story, because I want people to relate to it themselves and I also have to keep some things private!

What advice would you give to budding young creatives?

Be true to you…..create something that reflects who YOU are, a hobby, an interest – don’t just copy something another artist has done thinking you can do it better. Do something that’s unique to you – then the creativity will flow as you tell YOUR story.

In light of International Women’s Day, what female creative has inspired you to follow or carry out this passion, or maybe inspired some of the work you have created?

There’s no doubt about it Frida Kahlo was an inspiration, she was persistent in her achievements despite adversity.  BUT I have to say, my friends are my inspiration and have to get a mention on International Women’s, the unsung heroes. They are successful mums, career women, some of them too have battled against adversity and I admire them all the time. You’ll see how I use my friends and family in my artwork, in particular “foundation”, “Anchor You”, and one of this year's artwork is based on a saying my friend shared with me due to be released in September!