Angelite Atelier – New Affiliate Member

How would you describe your business/creative practice? 

I love giving new life into discarded and often overlooked items using clay and other materials. Oftentimes, they come out looking disturbed but each piece is a little window to my little world and how I envision it. It is a combination of passion, impulsiveness and struggles, with a healthy sprinkle of “can do it, will do it” attitude. While I truly let a more eldritch side in for my clay pieces, I also do more traditional items, such as greeting cards, stationary and jewellery.   

 

Can you tell us the story behind why you started your business/practice and your journey so far.

I started my art journey years ago in Malaysia, mostly focusing on smaller items such as keychains and stickers. Many of them ended up in local stores. After moving to the UK last year, I reconnected with my urge to start creating with my hands again, focusing on one of a kind pieces. Old habits die hard and I want to reach as many people as possible though, so I couldn’t help but return to mass produced items. With a stern kick up the butt from my husband, I finally took the step out and booked my first market coming up in November. That one kick rolled me down a hill as I am now gaining momentum in a way I could have never imagined. 

Did you study at University? If so, where did you graduate from and what course did you study?

I have a bachelor’s degree in mass communication (HONS) from the University of Wollongong (Malaysia) 

 

What do you hope that being part of the Banks Mill community will do for your creative business/practice? Is there one thing in particular that you’re looking forward to? 

Someone once told me, “一山还有一山高. There will always be a mountain higher than you.” I am looking forward to picking the brains of the many talented artists in the community as well as really getting a perspective on all the heights that have and can be reached as a community. 

Do you have any other work experience/support/or training that’s relevant to what you’re doing now? 

Regrettably, art has always been forced to take the backseat in my life till now. I am self taught and open to learning everything I can. 

 

What are you working on at the moment? 

I am currently working on a series of glass bottle sculptures. On the side, I am working on a few paintings, trying some new brush techniques. 

Tell us about your work/techniques/how long a piece takes to complete etc 

For commission pieces, I would usually scrounge up a few drafts based on the wishes and descriptions of the person, carrying on with the most liked until we have a great final product. At the end, most of the pieces are done on a whim, as inspiration would come. A sculpture would usually take about 10-15 days to complete. I have a weird habit of placing the piece at the centre stage, putting it in the middle of the table or even taking a picture of it and staring at it. Doing that helps me visualize what needs to be done and helps me see the possibilities. 

 

What are your plans for your business/practice for the next 12 months? 

I have a couple of markets planned and I am hoping to get some of my more mass produced items into wholesale and stores. 

Is there anything else you’d like  to share? 

My art might not be for everyone, but I still hope even if it isn’t, you might be up for trying something a little new, whacky and weird, and would still join in cheering with me on my chaotic and unpredictable journey. 

 

Angelite Atelier