Born and raised in Ontario, self-taught artist Angela Stone has made Alberta home for the past 10 years, and Airdrie for the past five.
“Having lived in three provinces in communities ranging in size from 1,000 to one million, and travelling from coast to coast, has given me a great appreciation for this beautiful country,” says Stone.
Stone has been creating for as long as she can remember and had some great encouragement along the way.
“When I was eight, I won a bicycle in a colouring contest,” laughs Stone. “My mom, who did folk art painting, would let me use her supplies, and my dad always took the time to drive me 45 minutes to the nearest art supply store. Mrs. Griffin-Smith, my Grade 7 art teacher, introduced me to watercolour and my high school teacher, Mrs. Beckley, introduced me to acrylic paints and working with canvas. I still use both mediums and the skills I learned in those classes to this day.”
One of Stone’s biggest inspirations was, and still is, Ontario wildlife artist Robert Bateman, which is evident in her creations. His portrayal of animal life in its natural habitat with such realism is something she aspires to. She has an autographed copy of his book, New Works.
“It’s one of my most treasured possessions,” says Stone. “I also draw a lot of inspiration from the wildlife and landscapes of Alberta. I’m always taking photographs of the natural beauty all around me to use as references.”
Stone has been involved in the Calgary Zoo’s Wild About Art show for two years. This annual event, held in the spring, supports local artists involved in all aspects of art – painting, photography, sculpture, chalk, music and artistic performers.
As Stone herself continues to develop as an artist, the unconditional support of her parents has been handed down to Stone’s own two boys, eight and ten, who have filled several of their own sketchbooks with their drawing, of which she is extremely proud.
“In the future, I’d love to share my work on a larger scale, in galleries, or literally larger … working on murals!” says Stone. “I’m a big supporter of public art and would love to create my own contribution in a public space one day!”
For now, she is happy to have her art at Naked Leaf tea shop in Kensington, Calgary. “Having my painting selected to be label art for Naked Leaf was a fun opportunity – I’m a big tea drinker, and had always wanted to visit the shop. Having my own labels on the tins was a great excuse! Now all of my relatives are getting tins of tea in the mail this Christmas.”
