Welcome to the exclusive interview with contemporary painter Angel Wagner, an artist whose passion has led her to create stunning and surrealistic works. With her unique style and dedication, Angel seeks to validate and empower women through her art. Her rediscovery of painting after a hiatus has marked a significant milestone in her career, and she continues to make strides in the art world, collaborating with galleries and art directors.

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Angel Wagner is an artist based in Minneapolis. She specializes in portraiture, symbolism, and painting women from the female gaze. Her imagery is figurative, surrealistic, and incorporates her own personal lexicon of symbols.

Wagner's feminist paintings are influenced by her 16 years of working as a licensed counselor with women. The themes in her artwork echo the themes in her counseling work: resilience, healing, transformation, and strength. Her work aims to validate, empower, and elevate women.

"Some of my earliest memories are of drawing with my brother and experiencing a sense of peace, freedom, and joy that art continues to bring me today. Art-making has always been my sanctuary.

I would describe my work as figurative, surreal, symbolic, and political. Painting encompasses all these aspects simultaneously—it is the deepest pleasure, the toughest discipline, a teacher, a child, a fear, a meditation, medicine, and the Holy Ghost.

I begin with a vision, but then my subconscious takes over. I walk in with an idea and walk out with a message. I start with an answer and finish with a question. I can never get enough."

www.angelwagnerart.com

Can you tell us about your journey as an artist and how you discovered your passion for art?

My first memory is drawing with my brother, and it quickly became my favorite thing to do as a child. When I was 15, I started visiting the local art museum by myself, where I would spend hours admiring my favorite paintings. It was during these visits that I realized I was a painter and an artist. I began teaching myself how to oil paint, nurturing my passion for art.

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How would you describe your style, and what influences or inspirations have shaped your work?

A pivotal influence in my artistic journey was a visit to communist Russia when I was 17. I explored renowned museums like the Hermitage and The Russian Museum in Leningrad, now St. Petersburg. Unfortunately, I was initially denied entry because of my "punk rock" appearance. Nevertheless, my father purchased a book on their painting collection, which became an enduring source of inspiration and a guiding light for me. While I aspire to achieve the quality of painting found in those works, my personal style leans toward surrealism. I particularly admire the art of women surrealists, who serve as significant inspirations for my own creations. My work is also influenced by my experiences and my work as a counselor with women, aiming to validate their experiences.

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What challenges have you encountered throughout your art practice, and how have you overcome them?

There was a period in my life when I abandoned painting. I attended a private art college but eventually left, feeling disheartened by lectures on scarcity mindset and the prevalence of an "old boys club" mentality. Despite this setback, creativity remained an integral part of my life. I channeled my artistic energy into remodeling houses, creating gardens, and even designing clothes and jewelry. For over 16 years, I worked as a counselor for women. During that time, I began to see paintings in my mind's eye during meditation sessions. This experience reignited my passion, and I finally felt ready to start painting again.

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Can you share a memorable moment or experience that had a significant impact on your career as an artist?

Angel: The most significant moment in my career was when I decided to start painting again after a long hiatus. At first, I had to trick myself by using cheap acrylic paints and convincing myself that I was simply messing around. But before I knew it, I found myself opening all my oil paints and diving back into the world of art. This decision marked a turning point in my artistic journey.

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How do you approach the creative process? Could you walk us through the steps you take from idea generation to the final artwork?

Angel: When a vision for a painting comes to me (not to sound too much like Stevie Nicks), I start painting. However, once I begin, the process always evolves and takes on a life of its own. I listen to my inner voice, which often provides strong directions. While I start with a plan, I know it will change and develop as I progress. I've learned to trust the process and not exert too much control over it. I'm constantly amazed by how the process of painting acts as an oracle, tapping into my personal experiences and current journey.

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Have there been any significant milestones or achievements in your artistic career that you are particularly proud of? Please elaborate.

For me, the most significant achievement is the decision to start painting again after decades of not practicing art. I'm now selling my work and collaborating with galleries and art directors, which brings me immense joy. Sometimes, I wonder how I spent all my time before painting became a central part of my life again.

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What advice would you give to aspiring artists who are just starting their artistic journey? Are there any lessons you've learned along the way that you would like to share?

In today's world, aspiring artists have more opportunities than ever before, thanks to the internet, which has diminished the power of gatekeeping. Artists can now connect with mentors, collectors, models, and sources of teaching and inspiration online. However, even with these new resources, the key lies in committing to one's art and allowing it to develop. The most important lesson I've learned is to never give up on your art.

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What was your favorite part of the Artist Navigation Course? What was valuable to you?

I was particularly drawn to working with Kat Popova because her posts always resonated with the artist I had abandoned years ago. Her intuitive and emotionally intelligent approach as an art coach greatly appealed to me. I thoroughly enjoyed her meditations, generous advice, and the opportunity to learn from other artists who shared their triumphs and challenges. The Artist Navigation Course has been instrumental in supporting the steps I am currently taking in my artistic journey.

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