Meet Angela, the artistic soul behind Wild INK! From her early days lost in daydreams and doodles, Angela's path took a detour through nursing before she returned to her artistic roots. With a unique challenge of hyperhidrosis, Angela found SurfPaints' large, wipeable surfaces to be a game-changer, allowing her to create without the constraints of warped paper.
1. Can you provide us with a brief background on your journey as an artist and tell us what you're currently working on in the world of art?
I’ve been creative for as long as I can remember holding a pencil! I would daydream for hours and was often caught not listening to teachers, having drifted off into a world of color and imagination. Not much has changed—I still get busted doodling in meetings! I studied art formally at the School of Arts UTAS with a desire to pursue graphic design, but after two years, I left to study nursing. As time passed, I couldn’t shake my love for creating imagery and learned to embrace my linear style, which is why I now consider myself an illustrator. In 2021, I began working under the name Wild INK and have been fortunate to sell some of my work online and in boutique stores around Hervey Bay. My work is inspired by nature and the repeating patterns beautifully woven within her structure, but more recently, I’ve fallen in love with the natural flow and grace of marine creatures.
2. How did you come across SurfPaints, and what aspects of SurfPaints do you find most appealing or inspiring for your art?
I came across Surfpaints through a Facebook ad during one of my scrolling sessions. My work is often very small since I mostly use fine liners, but I’ve always wanted to go BIGGER! However, I found it very daunting. To me, this was the answer! I saw someone in the ad drawing a whale, which is one of my most loved and frequently drawn ocean creatures. Living in Hervey Bay may not provide the barrels, but it sure provides the whales! I was so inspired that I decided to give Surfpaints a try, and boy, am I chuffed! I didn’t have to give up my illustrating style for a brush to go bigger, and the colors are so bold. I’m super impressed with the coverage from just one pen! I was VERY excited working on my first board. Interestingly, I chose an octopus for my first large piece—it just kind of ‘fit,’ and I was not disappointed!
3. Share specific challenges you've encountered in your art projects and how SurfPaints have been a helpful resource in overcoming these challenges.
Ha! This is a funny one. I have a very frustrating condition called hyperhidrosis, which means my hands sweat more than the average person. I’ve often been devastated when I’m in a creative flow but can’t continue working on paper due to my sweaty hands. It’s kind of funny, but not really 😆😑. A dear friend of mine calls me ‘ocean hands,’ which is quite fitting, I guess! Working on a large, wipeable surface has been a game changer. I can put down the pen, let the work dry, and pick up again where I left off once my hands chill. No more warped paper!
I’m also thrilled that my linear work is so easily transferable to larger pieces. The lines are so clean, and I love that the nibs can be switched out from thick to thin. I’ve even been able to incorporate my love of pointillism into my imagery. Time-consuming? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely!
4. Tell us about your most favorite project and how you came up with the idea.
Oooh, well... I think my favorite project hasn’t happened yet. It’s still in my brain for now, so you’ll have to wait and see. But truthfully, I’ve never enjoyed making art as much as I have recently with Surfpaints. The guitar project was really fun! Alongside nature as inspiration, I’m a huge fan of the meditative rhythms of the mandala. It’s not an exact science for me, but something I create through flow. Hours disappear when I work this way.
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5. As an experienced artist, do you have any valuable tips or techniques that you could share with others interested in creating painting projects with Surfpaints?
Take your time preparing the surface with sandpaper and steel wool. The pens don’t do well when going over bits of wax in crevices from knocks and bumps.
Just flow with it! These pens allow for a lot of freedom, so you don’t need to plan out every detail. That said, we all work differently, so if planning is your style… go with that!
Bonus Question:
As an artist, what message or piece of advice would you like to impart to other artists at all levels, from beginners to seasoned professionals, who are passionate about expressing themselves through this medium?
Never compare yourself to anyone when it comes to your work or your style. EVER. It's easy to get lost in the ‘I’m not as good as them’ or ‘my technique seems so underdeveloped’ whirlpool of thoughts. We can certainly learn from and be inspired by one another, but remember that you are unique in your expression.
Hot Tip: Most of life is the same! This took me some time to learn.
There are no ‘mistakes.’ You’ve all heard this... but it’s true! Just go with what presents itself on the canvas. In the past, I’ve thrown away pieces that upset me, thinking there was no turning back. This is most definitely not the case. Sometimes, it’s a good idea to put it away for a while… sleep on it. Daydream about it. I have half-finished pieces all over my house that I stare at and reimagine while I’m cooking or folding clothes! This strategy has almost always worked for me.
Lastly, peace out. Life is awesome… even when it’s tricky! Ride the wave!
...and, thank you! 🙏 Surfpaints, for a wonderful product that fuels my muse 💙🌊🌟
Lots of Love and colourful blessings ✨️
WildINK 🤍
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