Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Angela Cudazzo. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Angela , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.
My journey as a self-taught abstract artist has been marked by extensive research, trial and error, and much experimentation. I’ve navigated through various techniques and approaches, embracing each challenge as an opportunity to refine my craft and discover my unique artistic path. Looking back, I realize I could have expedited this process by immersing myself more in the artist community and seeking mentorship from artists I admired. This effort has proven incredibly beneficial, especially when it comes to exchanging creative ideas and perspectives. Engaging with fellow artists has enriched my artistic process, offering new inspirations and insights that have significantly shaped my evolving style and approach.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Hey there, I’m Angela, originally from Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, and I’ve been calling Central Florida home since 1999. My passion for travel and exploring different cultures ignited a lifelong curiosity early on. It’s through breaking routines and embracing diverse perspectives that I’ve found my greatest inspiration.
My journey into the art world began back in 2015 during my time at Flagler College, where I pursued my Bachelor’s degree. Immersed in art classes, I discovered a deep connection with painting. For me, painting became a way to delve into my innermost feelings, thoughts, and emotions.
Inspired by the expressionist movement and drawn to vibrant palettes, I use my art to bring my subconscious to life. Each painting is a continuous dialogue between myself and the canvas, evolving into a captivating dance of colors and shapes, often with layers upon layers of depth.
During the pandemic, while navigating the joys and challenges of new motherhood, I also embarked on a creative venture: launching a wearable art line named after my daughter, Annabel. These unique pieces showcase my vibrant abstract prints and serve as a homage to creativity amidst the beautiful chaos of motherhood.
Today, I’m proud to serve as the Art Gallery Director at The Hub on Canal in New Smyrna Beach. Balancing this role with caring for my spirited 3-year-old daughter keeps me on my toes. These past few years have taught me that immersing myself in the creative world allows for continuous learning and growth. I feel empowered to make a meaningful impact by doing what I love, and it’s been an incredibly rewarding journey.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
In my view, society can encourage and support artists and creatives by providing access to spaces that foster creative hubs. Promoting arts education is crucial, as it nurtures creativity from a young age. Additionally, supporting local arts organizations helps create a network that empowers artists and enhances community engagement.
As the Art Gallery Director of The Hub on Canal, a local art center, I believe we can best support artists by offering collaborative spaces that encourage innovation. At The Hub, we take pride in serving as an incubator for emerging artists, we represent over 65 local and regional artists, providing programs and outreach initiatives that enrich our community and empower creativity.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
By far, the most fulfilling part of being an artist is connecting with people through my art. Whether it’s exchanging ideas with fellow artists or hearing a stranger passionately interpret my paintings and share what they mean to them, these interactions are incredibly meaningful to me. It’s a profound experience to see how my art resonates with others and to witness the diverse ways it can touch lives, sometimes mirroring my own personal experiences.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.angelacudazzoart.com
- Instagram: @angelacudazzo_art
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/angela.cudazzo/
Image Credits
Tana Burd @tanaburdphotography