Metalsmiths Unite! (the blog): Lorena Angulo ~ Artist Interview

A special thanks To Lorena, for giving us a lovely artist interview today!


Mission San Jose, San Antonio

How would you describe what you do as an artist?

I love to transmit part of who I am and my culture with my work. I am an artist that works with pure silver, sterling, copper and bronze.

I have always loved how every culture transmits part of their history with jewelry and this was a big factor of why I decided to start fabricating my pieces.

What inspires your designs?

My designs come from my big love of my country, Mexico, my culture and traditions. I always make pieces that are close to my heart and looking for inspiration is always easy by just going back to my childhood memories in Mexico.

My first source of inspiration is the traditional folk art, especially the Milagro Hearts, Day of the dead crafts and the Trees of Life. The richness in their symbolic history is what attracts me more.

How long have you been involved in this type of making?

I took my first metals class in 2006 at the beautiful Southwest School of Art in San Antonio, Texas. My teacher, Clare Holliday, was an angel that come to my life because she tough me how I could put all my ideas into a physical object. I felt in love with this incredible art form and since then I have not stop learning and exploring new materials and techniques.

Where are you located?

I live in San Antonio, Texas. San Antonio is the most visited city in Texas; top sights include the Alamo and other historic missions like Mission San Jose. San Antonio has beautiful museums and art events all year round.

Do you have a website or etsy store?

Yes !

My website: http://www.lorenaangulo.com/index.html

My Blog: http://blog.lorenaangulo.com/

My Etsy Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/pueblofolkart

My Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/LorenaAnguloJewelry

What other ways do you market your work?

I do art shows and also have my work in high end stores and some galleries.

Do you teach? if so, where?

Yes, I teach regularly at Southwest School of Art in San Antonio, Texas. (http://www.swschool.org/).

I also teach at some national art events like Adorn Me! Houston. Teachers from all over the country come to teach classes during a whole week.

http://www.artunraveled.com/AdornMe12/AMartists.htm

I will also be teaching online very soon my first class will be published at CraftEDU. http://community.craftedu.com/group/lorenaangulosclassroom

Teaching is a new love I have discovered. I never imagined how fulfilling teaching can be. I love to be in contact with the students and to see their faces when they finish a piece and come to show it with so much pride. I think that I am not only teaching but learning so much from all the students I have had so far.

Any sage advice for newcomers that you would like to share?

To follow their hearts. What I mean with this is that it is very important to start creating not base on what everybody is making or what is consider to be the “in” fashion design of the moment. They have to not be afraid to create pieces that reflect who they are and makes them happy. This will reflect in the work they will do. Look for your own creative voice and style.