Meet The Wildlife-Inspired Scarborough Artist Exhibiting at Living North LIVE in York
Scarborough artist Angela Weir is the creative talent behind The Hedgerow Artist
Originally from Scarborough, Angela has spent the majority of her adult life living in various locations, including spending time overseas. She and her husband returned to Scarborough in 2013, where Angela now works a couple of days a week for a local charity. She spends the rest of her time working from her studio overlooking the valley on the outskirts of the town.
‘I have always been creative and painted as a hobby, mainly sea and landscapes for friends and family,’ she says. ‘In 2019 my husband and I gave up work, rented out our house and headed off travelling, starting in New Zealand. It was here that I started drawing and painting local birds during our travels around the islands.
‘I developed things further during lockdown when we were living in a very isolated location in southern France, house-sitting a little chateau. At one point I ran out of paper and started painting on wood, which I still do now.’
When Angela returned to the UK she launched The Hedgerow Artist online, initially on Folksy, and joined an art collective at the Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough. ‘It really was a series of events that made me discover that I can create something that people love,’ she says. ‘Now I can't imagine a life without art.’
The majority of Angela’s artwork is inspired by British wildlife. ‘I use traditional methods such as oil and acrylic but I also use digital painting, and sometimes I combine them,’ she says. ‘I will take a sketch or painting, scan it into my computer and then paint a new background using digital brushes and pencils. I also work on scrap pieces of wood which makes for a fabulous canvas. As well as portraying animals in traditional poses, I also like to create illustrative, fun pictures, especially for my cards such as Yorkshire puffins in ganseys or hares in Christmas jumpers.’
Angela enjoys the creative process. ‘As an artist I get to play most days,’ she says, ‘I often make a mess and sometimes end up with something that makes me and other people smile. I also love seeing people’s reactions to my work when I am at events – it is great talking to people who love what I do.’
Visitors to Living North LIVE at York Racecourse this March will have the opportunity to meet Angela and see her creations in person. ‘There will be cards and prints for those that are looking for something to pop in a frame, as well as some original pieces for those who want a feature piece for their home,’ she says. ‘In addition I’ll be bringing some brand new products featuring artwork from my original paintings.’
Angela hopes to continue growing her partnerships with local independent shops, and to take part in more events. ‘I am currently working with a local organisation who are creating a new art space later this year,’ she reveals. ‘The main thing for me is that I get to spend time in the studio doing what I love best which is creating. I am currently learning lino-printing and hope that’s something I will be able to add to my work in the future.’
