Artist Angela L. Chostner presents a whimsical and dreamlike collection of paintings created in a spiritual theme. Find more of her artwork on her website.
“Dance of Wind & Water” acrylic on canvas with feather, silk, carnelian, citrine and quartz, 24″ x 24″
I believe everyone has the capacity to be a vessel for kindness, compassion, courage and justice in the world. My paintings are a mirror for people to recognize this capacity within themselves.
“Wonder of Water” acrylic on canvas with crystals, 24″ x 24″
As long as I can remember, I have always expressed myself with art and poetry. I often shared what I created, designing illustrated books for my younger cousins, making greeting cards for relatives, writing and directing plays for neighborhood kids using a suburban garage as a stage.
“Light and Water” acrylic on canvas with feather, sage, emerald, lapis lazuli and quartz, 24″ x 24″
Today, I explore the energy, movement and color of universal principles core to the human experience. My art and poetry are tools I use to deepen my understanding of these principles, also known as virtues. These states, such as compassion, patience and forgiveness are common to all major religions.
“Inspiration” acrylic on canvas with pearl, citrine and crystals, 24″ x 24″
After exploring major ones like trust and gratitude in earlier works, I now blend them together in a symphony of more complex themes. The virtues I focus on become part of my palette.
“Mama Cocha” acrylic on canvas, 24″ x 24″
I use acrylic paint on canvas with mixed media details such as shells, guitar strings, feathers and other tactile features. I create in a state of meditation, and write poetry to accompany each piece, serving as a sort of “cliff notes” to the inner dialogue that occurs while I create.
“Miracle of Wind & Time” acrylic on canvas with quartz, 24″ x 24″
In my solo exhibitions, I feature interactive elements that beckon the viewer to go deeper. A previous exhibit explored the nature of miracles and invited viewers to consider how they are both recipients of miracles and in turn might “be the miracle” for someone else.
“Imagine: Trust & Wonder” acrylic on canvas with clay, crystals and citrine, 24″ x 24″
The underlying themes in my paintings and poetry become the foundation for creative expression workshops I facilitate. Witnessing the inner child of participants come out to play is gratifying. It feels like I am able to share with them what I experience when I paint, and it is something that is difficult to describe with words. It is my hope that more people tap into their own rich creative inner life.
Angela L. Chostner invites you to follow on Instagram and Facebook.