Meet Angelique Scott | Artist, Educator, Activist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Angelique Scott and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Angelique, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I think about risk similar to how I think about failure – it is necessary. Within my studio practice, taking risks means challenging myself. It means that I have to step outside of my comfort zone, which subsequently helps me grow – whether I win or fail. The saying “Nothing beats a failure but a try” lives rent-free in my head. Risks are required in order to learn, in order to push the boundaries to create something new.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a black, woman, artist working with clay and other mixed media such as fabric, wire, beads, and hair. 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. I naturally gravitated towards these materials as I have been working with pottery for over a decade. I started wheel-throwing in high school, formally studied ceramics and art education throughout college, and now teach introductory clay classes. Some of the best advice I received following college was to never stop creating. This has stuck with me as I went on to complete studio residencies in Greece, Vermont, Georgia and more. Although I work best under pressure, I have learned that patience in practice produces better results. Bringing a physical representation of an idea in your head – in any medium – is not easy but the more you do, the more you learn. My art practice is learning experience – for myself as the maker navigating challenges in building and creating and for the audience engaging with the work.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If you are in Richmond, VA – Brunch at LuLu’s in Shockoe Bottom is amazing. I am definitely taking you for a scenic walk at Belle Isle or Brown’s Island along the James River and stopping to grab a delicious gelato waffle at MoonRocks Gelato along Main St. Richmond has a range of museums like the Virginia Museum of Fine Art, the Black History Museum, the Institute of Contemporary Art at VCU, the Valentine Museum, and a few others. There are also a number of incredible galleries such as 1708 Gallery, ART180, the Visual Arts Center, and so many more. If you’re feeling creative, you can sign up to take a wheel-throwing class with me at Hand/Thrown Studio! You can also enjoy a beautiful walk through Maymont Park and visit the animals or through Carytown – a small shopping area with a wide range of restaurants and stores. There’s no way you are leaving without getting dinner from Mama J’s – the best soul food in the city. Should you want to talk a walk after dinner and catch a scenic sunset, there are several amazing parks around the city such as Byrd Park, Forest Hill Park, Libby Hill park, and many others with a great view.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I recently lost my great-grandmother – she was 94 years young and the matriarch of my entire family. So much of my work is inspired by her – through style, hair, and other decorative elements. I owe a lot of my success to her – I’m not sure if I would be who I am today without her love and guidance. Shoutout to my home team: My parents, my partner, my friends, my mentors and special shoutout to anyone who has ever purchased or shared my artwork! My support system is incredible – whether they are sending me encouraging messages, critiquing my work, or making sure I make time for rest and reflection in my practice – they are a vital part of my artistic journey.

Website: www.AngeliqueScott.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/ceramics.byangelique

Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ArtbyAngeliqueScott

Image Credits
Flit Photography Angelique Scott Corey Smith