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A MEMBER from our community
ANGELA ECHOLS
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Hello my name is Angela Echols, creator of Art Uplifted, my art ministry and passion. I love sharing the good news of God’s great, unfailing love, relentless mercy and grace through scripture lettering and vibrant, bold watercolor and ink creations. I began my art ministry a few years ago solely to encourage, edify and uplift others by sharing the word of God through my art. It’s been a true blessing watching my art ministry grow, furthering my reach and creating commissioned, personalized scripture art pieces and gifts to uplift others!
Facebook: @artuplifted
Website: https://artuplifted.com/
Facebook: @artuplifted
Website: https://artuplifted.com/
Can you tell us about your introduction to art? How did you know you had a creative gift?
At the age of 11 I had this strong interest and desire within me to draw. I continued drawing and lettering through my teen years, as creating was something that came naturally to me, and I found my creative time a peaceful and calming escape.
Did you ever think you’d be selling your art, or teaching art?
Not at all. I’ve never attended an art school and have no formal art training. Creating art was just something I loved to do, a therapeutic outlet and hobby. It wasn’t until friends and family began requesting pieces and I thought wow, people are truly interested in what I’m creating
At the age of 11 I had this strong interest and desire within me to draw. I continued drawing and lettering through my teen years, as creating was something that came naturally to me, and I found my creative time a peaceful and calming escape.
Did you ever think you’d be selling your art, or teaching art?
Not at all. I’ve never attended an art school and have no formal art training. Creating art was just something I loved to do, a therapeutic outlet and hobby. It wasn’t until friends and family began requesting pieces and I thought wow, people are truly interested in what I’m creating
How do you encounter the Lord in your creativity?
Whenever I pick up a pen or paint brush, He is with me. I spend time in worship playing worship music as I create. When I am deep in creating a piece for someone, I feel His presence guiding and leading me. My time creating is always beautiful and blessed. It’s my special time spent with the Lord.
What are your favorite ways to express your creativity?
Through water coloring and black ink line drawing. I love mixing and creating different hues for my watercolor pieces. I’m drawn to bold, unique colors paired with black ink line work. I’ve discovered the amazing versatility of watercolor and I enjoy finding different materials to watercolor on. I’ve water colored on fabric, stone and wood.
Are others in your family creative too?
Yes, I have to say I have a pretty creative family. My younger brother went to the Art Institute of Colorado and is an industrial designer. My sisters are equally creative. One has a beautiful gift of cake decorating. The other builds and designs beautiful homes. My siblings and parents love being in the kitchen and enjoy cooking. Recently, I found out my dad enjoys drawing and is quite good. My grandmother was also a talented seamstress and enjoyed drawing.
What do you feel God is calling you to in this season with your creativeness?
I believe in this time God is calling me to edify, encourage and teach other women. I was recently approached by my pastor’s wife of my home church to lead a creativity event for our women’s ministry this fall. I’ll be teaching hand lettering and watercolor florals. I love the doors God is opening for me. I pray He continues to use the gift He’s given me to uplift others, all for His honor, praise and glory.
Is it costly to be a creative/artist?
In terms of time, it is. I also work full time for the federal government, care for my husband and children, and own a business with my husband. So trying to balance work, and home life, in addition to allowing creative time and growing my art ministry can be challenging. I want to spend my time wisely and definitely as God leads me.
How did you become productive and abundant in your artwork and where do you see it going from here?
Social media has been paramount in connecting me with an encouraging and supportive art community and increasing my reach and exposure. I see myself possibly teaching more art classes for women who are interested in scripture lettering and watercolor. I envision it as a time for fellowship, devotion, worship and creativity.
Some practical steps you'd encourage other creatives to take to become productive and learn business skills etc.?
I recommend researching some of the mentorship programs available online that are encouraging, informational and practical for running a successful art business, such as Matt Tommey’s mentoring. I also encourage others to continue to refine and practice your skills through different online courses available.
Any encouraging words, words of wisdom from what you've learned to help other creatives on their journey to being abundant and thriving artists/creatives/makers?
Continue to seek God in all you do. Pray for His direction, discernment and heavenly wisdom as you create and grow your business. God will always lovingly lead you. He opens and closes all doors for you. If you seek God first, invest the necessary time and effort into your creative art business and let him lead the way, you can’t fail.
Whenever I pick up a pen or paint brush, He is with me. I spend time in worship playing worship music as I create. When I am deep in creating a piece for someone, I feel His presence guiding and leading me. My time creating is always beautiful and blessed. It’s my special time spent with the Lord.
What are your favorite ways to express your creativity?
Through water coloring and black ink line drawing. I love mixing and creating different hues for my watercolor pieces. I’m drawn to bold, unique colors paired with black ink line work. I’ve discovered the amazing versatility of watercolor and I enjoy finding different materials to watercolor on. I’ve water colored on fabric, stone and wood.
Are others in your family creative too?
Yes, I have to say I have a pretty creative family. My younger brother went to the Art Institute of Colorado and is an industrial designer. My sisters are equally creative. One has a beautiful gift of cake decorating. The other builds and designs beautiful homes. My siblings and parents love being in the kitchen and enjoy cooking. Recently, I found out my dad enjoys drawing and is quite good. My grandmother was also a talented seamstress and enjoyed drawing.
What do you feel God is calling you to in this season with your creativeness?
I believe in this time God is calling me to edify, encourage and teach other women. I was recently approached by my pastor’s wife of my home church to lead a creativity event for our women’s ministry this fall. I’ll be teaching hand lettering and watercolor florals. I love the doors God is opening for me. I pray He continues to use the gift He’s given me to uplift others, all for His honor, praise and glory.
Is it costly to be a creative/artist?
In terms of time, it is. I also work full time for the federal government, care for my husband and children, and own a business with my husband. So trying to balance work, and home life, in addition to allowing creative time and growing my art ministry can be challenging. I want to spend my time wisely and definitely as God leads me.
How did you become productive and abundant in your artwork and where do you see it going from here?
Social media has been paramount in connecting me with an encouraging and supportive art community and increasing my reach and exposure. I see myself possibly teaching more art classes for women who are interested in scripture lettering and watercolor. I envision it as a time for fellowship, devotion, worship and creativity.
Some practical steps you'd encourage other creatives to take to become productive and learn business skills etc.?
I recommend researching some of the mentorship programs available online that are encouraging, informational and practical for running a successful art business, such as Matt Tommey’s mentoring. I also encourage others to continue to refine and practice your skills through different online courses available.
Any encouraging words, words of wisdom from what you've learned to help other creatives on their journey to being abundant and thriving artists/creatives/makers?
Continue to seek God in all you do. Pray for His direction, discernment and heavenly wisdom as you create and grow your business. God will always lovingly lead you. He opens and closes all doors for you. If you seek God first, invest the necessary time and effort into your creative art business and let him lead the way, you can’t fail.