EQUALITY ISSUE SPECIAL FEATURE

Angela Morgan: 20 Years an Artist

by TARA HIGGINS

Angela Morgan is the embodiment of femininity. Fierce in her passion to create, nurturing to those around her, and giving to those who ask. She comes by her traits honestly. The daughter of farmers, the value of creating things with your hands, the payoff of hard work, and the optimism of having to believe it will work out is deeply seeded in her. Arriving in Fernie 21 years ago pregnant with twins, she knew that she wanted to be a professional artist and knew who she was. All she needed was a little bit of validation and encouragement for it to be “okay” to be creative.

That initial piece of validation and encouragement can be pinpointed to her first show, held at the Arts Station 20 years ago this month. It came from a strong group of women who were the driving force of the Arts Station, who knew how important it is to bring people together. Anne Majic, Beaulah Limber, Mary Menduk, Lorraine Fraser, and Donna Miller, to name but a few, gave Angela the inspiration to paint through words, commissions and laughter.

Meeting with Angela to write this piece she brought her original archive

portfolio. Going through the pages she can remember almost everyone who bought her work in those early years. The gratitude she has for all of them is apparent in the stories she tells of them and in the lasting friendships they have formed.

When we sat down, I wanted to learn more about the inspiration, drive and insight Angela has burning deep inside.

What is the best piece of advice you ever had?

Paint what you know. A professor taught me that at Art School.

What advice would you give a young artist?

Create something beautiful. All art is worthy.

What moment, as an artist, do you love the most?

Close to and just past the beginning. You get an idea in your head, the sketch is done, you’ve nailed the composition, and you’ve just started with a bit of the palette and you know it is going to work out.

You are always very uplifting to others, why is that?

People’s success does not happen without intention. I love to see the creative process and the courage it takes to go down that road. I also have a great interest in other artists because I know they have similar doubts and I hope that they are also having successful moments and great highs.

What do you think is the key to your success?

Art is a business. Artists need to remember it is a business and they need to act professionally. I run a business. And hire great people.

What changes have you seen in the art scene of Fernie over the last 20 years?

There is a larger appreciation for the arts and artisans. There is also a greater appreciation for the integral part the arts play in life.”

To honour and celebrate the past 20 years of Angela’s career she is having a solo exhibition of her work back where it all started, at The Arts Station. The opening is March 12 at 7pm, 20 years on the nose. Works will include some of Angela’s collectors’ favourites: ski and winter paintings, biking, picnicking, swimming, and celebrations…bubbly and flowers and good company…all the things we have to enjoy in our beautiful town…of course there will be a few other subjects to put in the mix. The show will be comprised of 20 works - of all sizes and price ranges.

Angela will be donating 100% of the sales to the Fernie and District Arts Council.

“I am amazed and grateful for the many programs they run, the wonderful space they provide for the guilds as well as others, and their commitment to the arts and to the community of Fernie.” Submitted Photos

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