Artist Collab: Velvet Reverie

A couple of weeks back, we had the pleasure of hosting Angie Samblotte and her body of work, Doors to the Cosmos.

Get to know Angie — her story, her creative practice, and what she’s riding in the water at the moment.

Can you tell us a little about yourself and how you got into making art?

Hello, and aloha! I’m Angie, a watercolor illustrator and artist from Long Beach, California.

I made art as a child, like most of us do, and just never stopped. My parents put me in art classes growing up and in middle/high school I decided to pursue being an artist. It was just a deep and clear knowing. I’m very thankful for that.

I decided to go to Cal State University of Long Beach and received my Bachelors of Fine Art in Illustration. After, I taught at art studios for kids (because being an artist right out of college is so challenging), and traveled a lot trying to figure out life. Then, surfing came into the picture and a few years later I moved to Hawaii to materialize my dream of being a full-time artist, of which I had zero plan how to do, ha!

Where are you based at the moment and does that place influence your work?

I’m currently on the East Coast of Australia. The smaller town feel, like-minded community, and living closer to nature and coastline, away from any big city, has been a healthy environment to be at peace and make art. 

The Surf Tarot pieces are such a cool idea — how did that come about?

It was a way to channel all of the inspiration surfing has given me. I’ve never been so transformed by something like surfing, a sport or art form, or however it can be defined. Long story short, I went on a life altering trip, which turned into a one-way 4 month surf trip from Mexico to El Salvador. That was the pivotal moment where surfing and its lifestyle awakened a slumbering part of my soul, my heart, and my mind when I needed it the most, imbuing me with burning inspiration and creativity, an artist’s life line.

What’s your board or craft of choice at the moment?

I’ve been on my 7’2 Russ Short bonzer shaped by Jacob Campbell. I’ve also picked up a 9’6” Gato Heroi Playboy which has given incredible new feels.

Does surfing or being in the ocean influence the way you create?

One million percent. The ocean is a direct mirror to how I live my life and the way I move through it. Because of this, it’s a place where I can reflect and gain insight and awareness through the metaphorical language the ocean speaks to us. Surfing and being in the ocean helps me feel connected to that something larger than us. It’s where I receive ah-ha moments, sparks of creativity, and can push my limits— that’s where I get most inspired.

Where do you usually feel most inspired?

The more nature, the more inspiration! Definitely outside in pure, untouched nature, far far away from large hoards of humans.

What does your process look like — are you someone who plans things out, or do you just start and see where it goes?

A balance of both. When illustrating for clients, I have a specific process where I plan things out due to the nature of working in a traditional medium of pencil and watercolor.

When I make art for myself, it’s looser in the prefrontal cortex, haha. Planning has felt more restrictive to the spontaneous sparks which is at its most opportune when I’m tapped into the present without a chatty mind. I guess that’s the magic of the flow state.

Your exhibition is titled Door to the Cosmos,  where were you taking us?

To the portal the ocean offers us every time we visit her! She is the psychedelic, magnetic vortex which beckons us to a place which feels like Home, then returns us to the shores of humanity more absolute and alive than when we arrived.

What were you exploring or feeling when you were making this body of work?

All of the lessons surfing and being in the ocean have taught me, and it seems to many of us. Just that feeling.

What did you hope people would take away from it?

The sensations of inspiration and rejuvenation, like those first steps onto land after a fulfilling, mind-bending surf :)

Let’s talk about Saline Shrine — where did that name come from?

Our beloved Holy and Salty grail! A place where we can go to cleanse and receive nature’s daily baptism.

How did the artwork for this piece come together?

I was staring at a few trinkets on my desk while pondering what to draw, and somehow, the way they were juxtaposed brought about inspiration for the design. Just an ah-ha moment!

How does this artwork connect to the rest of your exhibition?

Saline Shrine is like the gateway drug to the rest of the pieces. 

What inspires you lately?

Getting outside before I think too hard, dusting off the teaching cap for watercolor workshops, picking up a book instead of searing my neurons on my phone, planting trees with friends through OzFish (they help restore the land to improve local river health and thus ocean health), meditation (life saver), deeper reflections into the psyche for fresh ideas, and always looking at new art to stay inspired.

What are you enjoying outside of making art right now?

I’m really enjoying my social life. This cup is very full and its overflow balances the hermit lifestyle of making art. Also knitting and crocheting, always gotta keep my hands busy.

What’s on the cards for you this winter?

Hopefully a trip to Hawaii, most likely go back home to California, which will be summer, woo! Another double Summer. But mostly wishing for a pumping winter here surfing with friends and putting some new visions down on the ol’ drawing board :o)

Massive thank you to everyone who came down to support Angie and sink a coupla' Stone & Wood or Bonsoy Kombucha ;) 

Angie's Exhibition will be on show until early June. 

Shop limited addition Print Here. 

Shop limited addition Saline Shrine Tee Here. 

Follow Angie Here

Interested in an Artwork? Please contact Angie or email contact@atmosea.com.au