Brianna Angelakis
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There are many reasons that we, here at Arthaus selected Brianna Angelakis as our featured Young Artist for this edition of our Newsletter. Not only has she developed her observational skills to an extraordinary extent as seen in her self portraits and still lifes but she also shows such a passion for her art in the difficult compositions that she has created. She has explored and achieved great success in a variety of media such as colored pencil, markers, acrylics and much more. We are impressed at the variety of colors that she finds in a plain concrete step or a pair of blue jeans. She is a lovely, well mannered young lady who hopes to combine her artistic skills with her love of writing.
We wish Brianna all the best as she completes her Senior year at Seabreeze High School under the tutelage of the incredible Mrs. Nina Masters. We have included the entire interview here since it had to be abbreviated to fit into the Newsletter format as well as a number of her delightful artworks.
What is your earliest art memory?
My earliest art memory can be traced back to my first grade art class. I was assigned to draw a picture of myself, utilizing a photo as reference. I settled on a picture of myself held comfortably in Goofy's arms at Disney World. I worked on it vigorously and found myself quite pleased with the outcome. My mother loved it as well, leaving it plastered to the refrigerator for months. To this day she says, "When I saw that drawing of you and Goofy, I knew you would grow up to be an artist".
What helped you to decide to go into to art as an elective at school?
Throughout all of elementary school and middle school, art has been my passion. So taking an art class as an elective was inevitable for me.
What kind of career are you hoping / planning for? Where are you going to get your degree?
Writing is another love of mine, so I'm hoping to blend my two favorite things together into a field where they can coexist as an author and illustrator. That way I can write my own stories and construct my own illustrations for my books. Im still contemplating on where I'll attain my degree, but I'm leaning towards Flagler College at the moment, possibly transferring to a school up north after a couple of years.
What was it like to have your art on exhibit for the Halifax Art Festival and the EXTENDED disPLAY Exhibit?
Having my art on exhibit at both the Halifax Art Festival and the EXTENED disPLAY Exhibit was a really amazing experience. My favorite part of the events was when I found myself standing in the same vicinity as one of my pieces, and a woman observing it was discussing it with her daughter. They didn't have the slightest idea I was the artist, so it was interesting hearing their thoughts and opinions firsthand.
Who is your most admired artist?
I'm sure that hearing the name "Michelangelo" as an admiration tends to get a bit redundant, but he is - by far - my most admired artist. He lived and breathed art like no other, and continues to live and breathe through his work today. He painted over three hundred figures in the Sistine Chapel without any reference, and he spent nine years painting The Last Judgment alone. I don't think it gets much more passionate than that.
Do you have any advice for young artists?
Practice makes perfect! With each piece of art you complete, the more you grow as an artist and the better you become. It's a great feeling to see the progress you've made.
How would you describe your style or goal as an artist?
My style emphasizes bright colors, texture, and fluidity. I don't like being confined to straight lines and structure which is why I tend to stay away from architecture. As a person, I'm very organized and composed, so when I work with movement and curves in my art, it's a freedom from everyday life for me. I want the people that observe my art to feel that same flexibility and suppleness as I do when I'm composing my art.
Who do you feel has helped you realize your artistic self?
My family has always been there for me and my art since I started doodling cartoons in kindergarten. They have always been willing to pay for new art supplies and anything else art related I may need. It's with their help and encouragement that I've continued with my art all these years, thus making me capable of realizing my artistic self.
You may not be aware of this, but Mrs. Masters was my art teacher too, and I know she had a great influence on me. How has she helped you develop as a young artist?
Without the guidance of Mrs. Masters, I would not be the artist I am today. Before I entered her art class about one year ago, my art appeared average, possibly even novice compared to the other juniors and seniors in my class. In time, however, she taught me how to utilize my hands to the best of their abilities. It was as if she was channeling her artistic inspiration through her muscles and veins into mine. Mrs. Masters is an amazing teacher both in and out of the classroom. During the time I've spent with her, she has taught me a life lesson which has etched itself into my memory: without art, I am a fish without water.
Some of Brianna Angelakis's artwork.
Me with Tools of the Trade:
Tools of the Trade - marker:
Riding the Carousel - collage:
Reflections - acrylic:
School Day Afternoon - colored pencil:
Jurassic Trees - etching:
Self Portrait: Blue Jeans - colored pencil:
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