This month, we’re delighted to feature the evocative work of Devon-based artist Angela Rimmer, whose atmospheric abstract paintings are infused with a deep connection to nature. Angela’s art is a powerful blend of movement, emotion, and the elemental spirit of the natural world, especially the ocean’s mystery and energy. Known for her richly layered compositions, she brings a sense of depth and serenity to each piece. In this blog, Angela opens up about her artistic journey, her love for nature, and the inspiring path that led her to become a full-time artist.
Q. Where have you found inspiration lately?
A. As a curious, abstract artist I tend to find inspiration in the strangest of places - mostly in the natural world. Shadows, tree bark, clouds, rocks, patterns in the hearts of roses - you name it.I’m fascinated with energy, colour and texture.I also love to travel and enjoy immersion in different cultures. I’m off to Amsterdam today for a few days and can’t wait to visit the street art museum STRAAT.
Q. Is there a piece of art or a project that you are particularly excited about right now?
A. I’m very excited about the magical variety of opportunities I have this year - and being a featured artist in new galleries and spaces is ace.I really enjoyed exhibiting in a stable at Delamore Arts in May, and can’t wait to do an Art Car Boot as part of Art Week Exeter in June, I’m also hoping to exhibit in a local forest in the Summer. Meanwhile, you’ll find my work in a high-end hair salon, in a couple of lovely Devon Farm shops and in a beautiful well-known art gallery this Summer. Behind the scenes I’m working on a large scale collaboration project that is mega.
Q. What kinds of tools or references do you like to use when creating artwork?
A. In my studio sanctuary I have a big inspiration wall, which acts as a mood board - where I have a wide variety of images and materials to stimulate ideas - often with references from my travels. I also have a very large table of tools including rollers, spatulas, brushes and some of the more unusual materials I use in my work such as gede - gold leaf, and coffee - sprays and different dilutions. I enjoy blending intuition and intentional design in my work.
Q. What artists or artworks (from your life or art history) do you admire or consider influential to your work and why?
A. I have an eclectic art collection and home interior. I admire a wide range of flamboyant, trailblazing visual artists from fashion and design such as Iris Von Apfel, and Vivienne Westwood. However, Van Gogh's art and remarkable life, particularly his later works from France which burst with colour and incredible brushwork, have been influential.I am a fan of “thick impasto” and being playful with paint.
Q. What advice do you have for other new or aspiring artists?
A. I’m a new, emerging artist myself and my strategy this year has been to maximise (and enjoy) every single opportunity that comes my way. I chose to allow all my experiences to evolve and be playful, positive ones, especially those that don’t work out as expected - you never know what’s around the corner. Give in to a bit of chaos. I aim to feel happy, content and relaxed, not pressured in my work.
Q. Professionally, what has been your biggest achievement so far?
A. After a 25 year high-flying career in marketing, being a professional artist is a big deal for me. Art uplifts me and I’m living my dream. I’m really enjoying my focus on the process rather than my old corporate mindset of recognition, rewards, awards and external validation. I absolutely love it when my work emotionally connects. To me that's a huge achievement.
Q. What is your first memory of creating art?
A. Always a big thinker, I remember an early school day when I drew a highly detailed self portrait in pencil (which took hours) and brought it home to show my family. I will always remember my Mum's face - my parents were really, really surprised and extremely complimentary - so much so they hung that self portrait in our downstairs hallway for years. I remember being hyper focused on accuracy, detail and reality - the polar opposite to nowadays.
Q. How do you spend your time when you’re not creating artwork?
A. When I’m not creating artwork, I find that most of my spare time is somehow business management related. Outside of work, I’m a wife, mum to teens and a dog mum to cockerpoos. I also love yoga, fitness and my friends. I founded the local not for profit netball club - TBirds 10 years ago and am a player/ coach.
Q. What work do you most enjoy doing?
A. I enjoy embarking on work that gives me butterflies.I love expressing myself and feeling the sense of ‘flow’ and connection when I do so. My heart is currently in emotive, large-scale abstract expressionism.
Q. What is your dream project?
A. I love to combine my creative instinct and strategic insight. With a refined understanding of storytelling, visual impact and emotional connection I’d love to work on other brand collaboration opportunities such as with one of the awesome property developers in Dubai on the look and feel of their new sea-view lifestyle properties. Perhaps Gilbert Netball for Commonwealth Games or Super League Netball design.Or one of the incredible luxe skincare or drinks manufacturers on label design.
Thank you, Angela, for sharing your inspiring story and offering such a rich glimpse into your creative world. Your passion, energy, and openness truly shine through, both in your work and your words. To stay connected with Angela and explore more of her beautiful work, be sure to follow her on Instagram and visit her website.
We’ll be back next month with another inspiring artist spotlight so stay tuned!