
Angelika Millmaker
Hometown: Bergen
Based in: Norway
Hometown: Bergen
Based in: Norway
“departing from a single vision from nature, my paintings show her inner vitality and beauty not represented by appearance, but by the emotions these visions create in the viewer. There is never a direct translation, but it may be possible to trace the pure white light of a winter day or the vibrancy of a flower in a variety of unexpected ways.”
STATEMENT
I am a Norwegian artist, and the essence of my work is rooted in the colors from Scandinavia and the elegant design of Nordic art. The Scandinavian landscape comes alive during the long summer days and light nights of the midnight sun, and then becomes majestically silent as the autumn colors fade into the white snowfalls of winter. This quality of light gives colours a brilliance that is rarely found in other regions and the contrast between the cold almost whitish blue winter landscape and the bright colors of summer is inspiring to me, and my paintings are characterized by bold contracts between colors, textures, shapes and light.
A pink sunset, a subtle white washed image of a pale winter day or a delicate flower are examples of images which are blended together to create an abstract form of beauty.
The impact flowers have on my work is also profound, and I find endless inspiration from their vivid colours, intricate patterns and delicate hues. Using brushes and palette knives, I create rich surfaces with oil pastels, charcoal, acrylic and watercolor. The drips illustrate the endless growth and decay in organic structures and suggest a reflection on the cycle of life itself.
BIOGRAPHY
Born in Bergen, Norway, Angelika Millmaker is a contemporary artist whose work is characterized by an abstract representation of organic forms. She uses a beautiful palette dominated by shades of blue, sparkling white, dark green and subtle crimson to create luminous effects in her paintings.
Upon receiving a Bachelor of Science in Management Sciences from Manchester University she was accepted into Cass Business School in London where she obtained a Master of Science in Shipping, Trade and Finance.
Angelika worked in the oil & gas industry in Norway for many years before she relocated with her family to Houston, Texas. Having painted at various levels throughout her life Angelika now took up art full time in Houston and enrolled at The Glassell School of Art.
Her paintings have been acquired by both corporate and private collections in Europe, Canada and the US. She has also participated in leading Art Fairs and Group Exhibitions in London and Houston. Several of her paintings are displayed in commercial properties. Today Angelika and her family have moved back to Europe and she divides her time between London and Bergen.
What inspires you?
My paintings are the result of a visual combination of the rugged landscapes in Norway and the elegant beauty of flowers. They blent together and create a visual representation of my memories., like a snapshot of images that have made an impression on me. An unplanned dialogue between me and the canvas, intuitive and spontaneous
Describe your creative process.
I combine random shapes with deliberate marks and lines in several layers. Then floral and organic shapes are created intuitively and I keep adding and editing until I find the right lightness and translucency in my work. The process is a combination of intentional and unplanned actions, and I like to use different materials to get the desired consistency and representation of the subject matter. There is a constant awareness in my work to reflect nature, the seasons and the different palettes they represent.
What are 3 words that best describe your work?
An elegant, abstract representation of organic forms
Who are some artists that have influenced your work?
Cy Twombly and Georgia O'Keeffe are both great inspirations. I also love Frida Kahlo for her strength and the way she used colours so beautifully
What is the most important tool when creating your work?
Brushes and palette knives to create rich and translucent surfaces. Charcoal is used for definition
What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
To spend as much time on marketing, research and various other office tasks as I do on actual painting. Another good piece of advice I got was to keep painting in the style I love, let my voice be heard on the canvas, and not keep changing my style.
Where do you go for inspiration?
Flowers always give me inspiration and my favourite place is the famous Wisley Garden in England.
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