We were lucky to catch up with Ange Cox recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Ange, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
My journey in the world of art began at a very young age. However, it wasn’t until 2011 that I took the leap to turn my artistic pursuits into a full-fledged profession, marking the beginning of a transformative chapter in my life. I embarked on this artistic odyssey by crafting walk-about costumes for renowned entertainment giants like Disney and Dreamworks. These early experiences allowed me to hone my skills while working on projects that demanded precision and creativity. As I honed my craft, my artistic endeavors expanded beyond walk-about costumes. I found myself drawn to the world of music videos and large-scale events in Los Angeles and Portland, Oregon. My artistic journey was far from confined to the West Coast. I soon ventured into the heart of theater and the bright lights of Broadway in New York. This marked a significant shift in my career, as I delved into the intricate world of props for Broadway shows, where every detail mattered in creating memorable experiences for audiences. After New York, I ventured to San Jose, California, where I had the privilege of working on costumes for the opera. It was an experience that allowed me to explore the intersection of fashion and performance art, creating costumes that told stories on the grandest of stages. In 2019, I returned to the bustling creative hub of Los Angeles, where I delved into the world of film. Here, I had the incredible opportunity to paint props for films, including the highly anticipated ‘Dune’ film. This was just the beginning of my journey in the film industry, as I continued to work on props and costumes for iconic productions such as ‘The Mandalorian,’ ‘Asoka,’ ‘Black Panther,’ and many more. One of the most thrilling moments in my career came when I earned the Emmy Awards Honors for my work on ‘The Mandalorian.’ It was a testament to the dedication and passion I poured into my craft, and a recognition that will forever hold a special place in my artistic journey. Looking back on my path from crafting costumes for Disney to painting props for blockbuster films, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunities that have shaped my artistic evolution. Each experience has been a stepping stone, allowing me to continually learn and grow as an artist, and I eagerly anticipate the creative adventures that lie ahead.
Ange, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I am a professional artist based in Los Angeles. My primary focus is on crafting exceptional works of art for film, events, and art exhibitions. My artistic journey is diverse, allowing me to seamlessly transition between bringing clients’ visions to life and expressing my own creative ideas. Within my portfolio, I have two distinctive avenues of artistic expression. The first centers around my cat-themed artwork, under the banner of my company, Cats Rule All. This venture serves as a testament to my enduring commitment to the world of feline-inspired art. The second facet of my artistic journey leads me to create evocative historical murals. These unique masterpieces can be found in New Almaden, California, a town historically renowned for its quicksilver mining heritage, and Diamond Springs, California, an area steeped in the rich history of gold mining. Each mural tells a compelling story, reflecting the profound connection I maintain with the history and culture of these vibrant communities.
Through my art, I strive to convey the profound stories and emotions that connect us to our past, present, and future all while embracing the boundless creative opportunities that the world of art affords me.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
Supporting artists, creatives, and a thriving creative ecosystem is essential for fostering cultural enrichment and innovation within society. While attending art shows is a valuable way to support artists, there are several other ways that society can contribute to the growth and sustenance of the creative community. Financial support such as providing grants, scholarships, and funding opportunities for artists is crucial. Many artists struggle financially, especially when starting their careers. These resources can help them continue their work and experiment with new ideas without the constant worry of financial stability. Offering arts education programs, workshops, and mentorship opportunities can help emerging artists refine their skills, develop their voice, and navigate the art world more effectively. Society can help artists with marketing and promotion, making it easier for them to connect with audiences. This could involve using social media, organizing art events, or collaborating with artists on marketing strategies. Encouraging the purchase of art, whether it’s through public art auctions, galleries, or online platforms, directly supports artists financially. Private individuals, corporations, and institutions can become art patrons, further contributing to the ecosystem. Enforcing copyright and intellectual property rights helps protect the livelihood of artists by ensuring they receive appropriate compensation for their work. Fostering diversity in the creative ecosystem is vital. Supporting artists from diverse backgrounds and providing spaces for underrepresented voices helps create a richer and more inclusive cultural landscape. While attending art shows is indeed a meaningful way to support artists, society can do much more to nurture a thriving creative ecosystem. It involves a combination of financial, structural, educational, and cultural support to ensure that artists can continue to enrich our lives with their creations.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
The driving force behind my creative journey is a deep-rooted mission to raise awareness about cats and inspire people to embrace their love for these incredible creatures. Through my art, I aim to encourage individuals to take concrete actions such as donating, fostering, or adopting cats, ultimately making a positive impact on the feline community. My decision to create cat-themed art was born out of the desire to provide an alternative and unique style for people to express their affection for cats within their homes. I firmly believe that my artistic style offers something distinct and cool, setting it apart from conventional cat-related artwork. By sharing my vision through my creations, I hope to ignite a sense of ‘cat pawsitivity’ in others, celebrating the unique charm and beauty of these animals. My creative journey is not only about artistic expression but also about promoting a cause that holds great significance to me; the well-being and welfare of cats.
Contact Info:
- Website: catsruleallart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catsruleall/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angecoxartist
Image Credits
Portrait photo by Catherine Asanov Dimirty cat head photo by Vern Evans