We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Angela Larsen a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Angela , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today 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.

As a child, I was very crafty. I would build forts in my grandmothers living room and flip the couches (with the help of my brother) to pretend we were in a dark cave. I always knew i wanted to do something in a “change the world kinda of sense” but I didn’t know how. I then discovered the art of DIYs, in elementary school. I had an art teacher, Mrs. Green, that taught me how to sew and I just never looked back. At home I didn’t have a sewing machine but I would hot glue fabrics together to make skirts and even paint pieces of artwork on jeans or jackets, anything I can get a hold of just to amplify a piece of clothing. Then COVID came, and I just told myself there’s no way I’m going to live this life not doing what I love, not working in a field that Im not passionate about. I’m still learning about this craft and my journey as an artist. I want to do so many things simultaneously and I have so many ideas. I think being an artist is the most beautiful thing. Your not only learning about your craft but your learning about yourself. It’s such a spiritual experience to see the world in a light that everything is an influence to your craft.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I entered the industry during the COVID pandemic, initially upcycling jeans and screen printing shirts. Following this, my passion for creating grew stronger, leading me to pursue it as a full-time endeavor. This decision led me to elevate my brand’s visibility, culminating in the organization of my fashion show during Art Basel. Despite my modest expectations, the show proved to be a success, attracting over 200 attendees. This unexpected support fueled my determination to expand further. Presently, my approach to clothing has evolved, viewing it as a form of artistic expression for my peace of mind. With a plethora of ideas, I am driven to share them, not only for personal satisfaction but also as a contribution to my own humanity. Notably, I prioritize sustainability by utilizing predominantly upcycled fabrics from other garments. Rather than functioning solely as a brand, my venture serves as an outlet for my own creative expressions.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

I think as a society there are many ongoing problems to support artists and creatives. One aspect I can speak about is the lack of diversity and inclusion in the fashion/art industry. This issue is very layered so there are many reasons why you wouldn’t see many POC being represented, whether that means the models or the creative directors that luxury brands appoint, racism and classism is an ongoing issue. The best way society can help and support POC is by advocating for a more diverse workplace and not blocking opportunities. As well as, offering mentorship programs and resources for emerging designers and creating platforms to promote the work of diverse designers.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

Earlier I had mentioned that being an artist is a spiritual journey. On this journey, I have learned a lot about my self and my work, and trust me Im still learning. One book I would say that I have been reading lately and has switched my perspective on creating is The Creative Act: A Way Of Being by Rick Rubin. He explains the artistic experience in such a beautiful way to the point it opens you up more and guides you through the experience of being an artist. It removes the fear and feeling of needing to control your experience as an artist and just allows you to flow through your ideas and let the world interpret it. I feel like one thing I have struggled with in the past was just creating for my own self, and not thinking about if its going to be trendy or if my audience would like it. Once you start putting it out there your support system will grow in itself and everything will follow afterward, just focus on what you want.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angielalexis?igsh=YWo0MTdodHZ2ZGQ1&utm_source=qr
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@angarchives?si=qUTSnxMUms_97gNc
• Other: Pinterest: https://pin.it/38YZrN4fD

Image Credits
Models @whereiseeee @angelmoret @cbthegirl @badIIthebone Photographers @creativedemands @vnesflytrap