Today we’d like to introduce you to Angelique Scott.
Angelique, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I began my creative journey at a young age experimenting with drawing, sewing, painting, and other crafts. I fell in love with working with clay in high school and continued refining my skills throughout college. During college, I received awards for my art and activism which motivated me to become a better creative and leader. I graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art Education and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Craft/Material Studies with a concentration in clay and fibers. Following graduation, I completed a studio arts residency at Skopelos Foundation for the Arts in Greece and The Hambidge Center in Georgia. I currently maintain a studio art practice as well as teach beginner clay classes.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It definitely has not been smooth sailing. There have been moments of doubt and uncertainty, plenty of failures, financial hardships, but that is part of the journey. I am a firm believer in the saying “Whatever is for me, will be for me” but also that faith needs to be accompanied by relentless dedication and work. There is always going to be someone who does not like, nor understand my work, but that is why it is important to have a phenomenal, trustworthy, support system.
I am blessed to have an amazing group of people who support my passion and care about my well-being. They are open-minded and honest with me about my shortcomings, and unwavering through trials and triumphs. I am mindful that throughout my career as an emerging artist, with each accomplishment or new level reached, there will be new struggles and with those needs to be room for experimentation, failure, and uncomfortableness; that is where growth happens.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I am an artist, educator, and activist. I create work about blackness as a social and cultural identity. My studio practice comprises both functional and sculptural ceramic objects that communicate and facilitates critical discourse with my audience. I create specific forms that communicate my cultural experience and invite my audience to engage in a vital dialogue about contemporary issues regarding race and culture.
In addition, I teach public and private clay hand-building workshops. These workshops are a one-day introduction to hand-building clay class that is great for corporate events, anniversaries, and social gatherings such as birthday parties. As someone who did not work with clay much until high-school, I would love to make clay accessible to more people, specifically my community of color. Working hands-on with a material like clay can be therapeutic and have positive effects on one’s mental and emotional well-being.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
For myself, success is defined as waking up everyday being to do what you love, affect positive change in your community, and maintain a financially comfortable life. I create work to make other people who look like me feel seen and included in spaces where they have not always been present. My criteria for success changes the more I evolve. My perspective on success at age 15 has drastically changed from how I currently view success. If I am healthy if I am able to spend time with those I love, if my work is impacting people to have more open/honest conversations with themselves or others, and if I can sustain a comfortable living making work, I am successful.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.AngeliqueScott.com
- Email: artbyangeliquescott@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/ceramics.
byangelique - Other: www.etsy.com/shop/artbyangeliquescott
Image Credit:
Steven Casanova
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