Meet Angela Bonten

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Angela Bonten. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Angela, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?

I think it took me a long time to overcome the doubt that you have in yourself when you are starting an art career.
One of the important things for me was not to compare myself to others but rather learn from my peers and support each other.
As my skill level grew my confidence level grew too.
After you sell a few things you get more sure of yourself, but I had to look at what I really wanted from my art.
I didn’t want my art to become a repetitive job that took away the fun and excitement of creating.
I now just let my personality be what it is meant to be and that will come through in my art.
When personal tragedy came into my life, I needed my art more than ever to to help me through the pain of grief. while I couldn’t paint at first, I knew I had to lock myself in the studio and just let the brushes flow. A series of paintings showing my grief emerged, with out thought or planning, letting the creativity flow from me.
The confidence of knowing that it will work out comes from years of painting and experimenting.
My art is like life, it is a process that I may have an idea of where I want to go, but it can change at any time, and I have to respond accordingly.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I consider myself to be a creative spirit. I have always pursued art as my passion. I have been fortunate that I have, at times, been able to support myself through my creations. When my art was not supporting me, I had a job that gave me the freedom to continue painting and teaching. It is important to diversify.
Art is a cathartic process for me. In the hardest times of my life I have always relied on my art and my creative soul.
I was originally a paper maker and textile artist then I switched over to fine art. Later I got in to jewelry making, and owned a bead store for many years.
I enjoy exploring new ideas and ways to create. I collaborated with my partner, Tony Koenen, a musician to create Musartiqa a performance art piece, featuring music art and dance. We have also worked on large art works passing the painting back and fore and both adding to the painting or sculpture. I am not tied to one style, I work in series and then move on to the next idea.
As a teacher I am excited to pass on my knowledge and want to share the enjoyment that creativity brings to the soul. I love it when I watch my students pass into that moment when the room becomes silent and they are lost in the process.
In the last 10 years I have been a guest teacher on Cruise ships Recently, my partner Tony and I started a youtube channel focusing on keeping art and music alive in retirement . This a new learning curve for me, but I am always searching new avenues to explore.
I believe that creativity is healing. It is a space that you can go to and calm your inner soul by getting lost in the now. My goal when teaching, is to help people find that peace when they create.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

1. Taking courses and learning from your peers
2. Finding your own voice and being true to it. Create what feeds your soul and do not compare yourself to others.
3. Being disciplined in your artistic practice and don’t give up

Understanding the market is important. Making money is a key factor and being an artist is not the easiest way to make money,
Years ago while in college. I went to a two day Christmas market and sold nothing. After the weekend I set up at the university lobby. Within 2 hours I was completely sold out. I was selling tie dyed shirts and clothing. The night before there had been a Led Zeppelin concert. Right venue, right product.. It was a good learning lesson about the importance of location and targeting the right demographic market for your work. Not all events are created equal. Know your market, your price point and believe in yourself. I always say it is easier to get $20 from someone than $1000. So I would have art cards, jewelry and have paintings that are at different price points. The market will dictate the price of your work.
Don’t be your worst critique. I was harsh on myself when I was younger and now when I look back at what I have done, I realised I was too judgemental of myself.
Now I just paint, make jewelry, make sculptures whatever I feel like and I make no apologies for being me!

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

My parents taught me to be free to express myself.
My mother was a very talented artist, who never got the chance to really fulfil her creative dreams. She was an artist and a writer. I remember having to model for her art class when I was about 8 years old. Years later she joined another art group and the guest artist critiquing her work said “have you ever thought about taking up knitting?” The comment shattered her confidence for quite a while It was different times then. She was reluctant to show her work again but continued creating. I organized an exhibition of her work when she was in her late 80’s. I know she was so proud to see her solo show at the art centre.
Both my father and mother were very open minded and non judgemental but had the drive to keep going above all odds. . They passed that on to me. It became up to me to find my own destiny.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.angelabonten.com
• Instagram: anjybcreative
• Facebook: AngelaBonten
• Youtube: Anjy and Tony’s creative retirement