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Artist Angela joins the award hot list
A MOTHER who turned her dreams into a reality after launching an art career when she returned to work has been shortlisted for a national award.
Bestselling women's magazine Red has shortlisted Angela Smyth, of Triangle, for its Hot Women Awards – in the inspiring return to work after motherhood category.
The 42-year-old stopped work to have her son Alistair, now seven, but when it was time to return she didn't want to go back to an office or restricted environment.
She was inspired to re-ignite her passion for painting and, through a chance meeting, was asked to sell her work at the Wharf House Coffee Shop, Sowerby Bridge.
All 10 paintings were sold in the first week.
Now her quirky and uplifting paintings – a celebration of womanhood – are being exhibited in major UK galleries and Angela has struck a worldwide publishing deal with Art Group.
Her paintings hang in collections in America, Japan, France and Germany.
She has been widely tipped as the next Beryl Cook and is unveiling her new work at The Alexander Gallery, Bristol, from December to January.
Angela said much of her work is inspired by "people watching" in Halifax town centre and painting them into unreal situations.
Angela, who has had no formal art training, started drawing people with simplified faces – which are now her unique trademark.
"They are very uplifting and people seem to connect with them – especially women. It's great fun. I get my inspiration from Halifax.
"I sit and watch people in the precinct. Sowerby Bridge and Halifax are perfect.
"If I see someone sad I might put them somewhere else in a happy place."
Angela urged all creative entrepreneurs to follow their dreams, but warned them to be careful about who they asked to manage their work, after much of her early takings were lost to an unscrupulous agent.
"People need to be really aware, especially in the creative sector. There are those who trade on other people's dreams.
"I made a lot of mistakes at the beginning but my husband Chris and I now keep complete control.
"This year it has just gone nuts – I can't keep up with the demand.
"It has always been a dream to do something with this. It's not really confidence but more about keeping on at it."
Angela is also in the Art Group's first gallery exhibition in London.
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Saturday 04 February 2012
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