December 02, 2014

Where Did Art Start For You? - Angela Brown, Interdisciplinary Artist

In the days leading up to GivingTuesday on December 2, 2014, we are sharing stories from artists in the ArtStarts community. We asked them, "Where did art start for you?" It's a question that asks us to reflect on our own lives in order to see where along our journey our passion for the arts was sparked.

What is GivingTuesday?

GivingTuesday is a movement for giving and volunteering that takes place this year on December 2, 2014. Taking place each year right after Black Friday and Cyber Monday, GivingTuesday is proof that the holiday season can be about both giving and giving back. GivingTuesday is the perfect time for the world to come together and show how powerful humanity can be when we unite to give on one day.

How YOU Can Help

ArtStarts fosters creative experiences for young people. Your support can spark the start of something special.

• Share your own story at artstarts.com/you
• Donate today or on December 2, 2014 to help ArtStarts bring creativity into young lives across BC!

Double Your Impact on Dec 2 with Interac Online

Choose Interac Online when you donate here on December 2, 2014 and Interac will match up to your donation, up to $25. Your $25 donation becomes $50! Click here to donate via Canada Helps on December 2, 2014—and remember to select Interac Online as your payment method.

Read interdisciplinary artist Angela Brown's story below and share your own story at artstarts.com/you

Where did art start for you?

My beginnings as an artist... I went to a small Catholic school in Quebec. The school was located in an army camp. Shannon, the town I lived in, was right next-door to the  camp. You  can rightly assume that most of the residents there, were originally from Ireland.

As far back as I can remember, I've always loved to act, tell stories, dance, draw and paint.

My first experience on stage was singing a duet with a handsome young man in grade one. My hair was in little, tight curls.  I wore my thick, dark - rimmed glasses, a crinoline skirt and black patent leather shoes with white ankle socks.  I carried a little clutch purse and wore white gloves. My partner, dressed in a tux, looked very handsome indeed. He was certain that he would make an impression on me.

However, I was not impressed. I shook my finger at the young gentleman and at the audience while singing, quite emphatically...

Handsome is as handsome does
So the Wise men say
Feathers fine may make fine birds but folks are not that way
It's what is in the heart that counts
Deny it if you can
I'm not impressed with how you're dressed
For clothes don't make the man!

My next big opportunity came in grade 3.  I was chosen to read a story on stage at my school. I wasn't sure how I felt this. After all, this  fable's title was 'The Donkey and the Ass'.

Once again, I looked rather ridiculous with an outfit similar to the one I described above, glasses and all. None the less, I read my story with great enthusiasm. I was chosen to represent my school.

I then went on to a second competition in Quebec City. I won that one as well. Then onto the finals at Place des Arts, an enormous theater with a very large stage in there I was a skinny little girl standing there by the microphone.

I finally ended up on television in a program called Spring Edition. I came second. I was told the reason was I read too fast. I still have to remind myself to slow down now and again.

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