Name: Angelina
Age: 28 years old
Country: UK
Instagram: @angelinapaloma_
Website: www.angelinapaloma.com
About the series
The Healing Craft Series features creators sharing their thoughts and feelings on crafting and healing through crafting.
“I find it very important that we learn to accept and love ourselves and our unique bodies for who and what they are and that’s what I am currently trying to represent in my artwork.”
Angelina, @angelinapaloma_
What kind of craft do you do and how long have you been doing it for?
I’m an Illustrator & Textile Artist. I’ve been an illustrator for as long as I can remember but it has only been a little over a year since I rediscovered crochet and started incorporating it into my work. I first learned crochet many moons ago in primary school so it came back quite naturally for me. As I grew more and more comfortable with the process I began to see the possibilities of combining illustration with crochet.
What is your favourite place/time of day to craft and why?
For me the best time to crochet is in the morning after my second cup of coffee. I prefer working in my living room where I get the best morning & afternoon light, a seaside view and I am surrounded by all my plants. Putting myself in the right environment really helps get me into a state of flow, where the work just pours out of me.
What inspires you (in life & in crafting)?
This is a fun question because I draw inspiration from so many things, but I think the big one for me will always be colors! I find colors so inspiring because they are everywhere and each represents a mood, feeling and/or sensation. Emotionally, I am very much interested and inspired by body positivity. I find it very important that we learn to accept and love ourselves and our unique bodies for who and what they are and that’s what I am currently trying to represent in my artwork.
How has/is crafting helping you and your mental health?
Crafting allows me to unwind and unthink. My mind’s constantly going at 150mph and my “day job” is both physically demanding and requires a lot of my attention and focus. When I crochet I get to tune all of that out and just focus on one thing, be present in the ‘here and now’ and recharge. When you have a lot of people to take care of you, you sometimes forget about your own needs and you really shouldn’t do that. It’s ok to have a healthy dose of selfishness because if you don’t take care and allow yourself some time how can you take care of others?
What is your advice to other creators (or newly started creators)?
Be true to yourself and don’t focus too much on what’s trending, or what others think. I fell down that rabbit hole and it is one hella dark place to be in. Find what you love and then focus on and enjoy doing just that. There are people out there who will love what you do!
Anything else you’d like to share?
Let’s continue to use social platforms to spread love and positivity and celebrate what’s great about life. Especially in this strange time I feel we need it more than usual. Oh and use your art to express yourself. It’s such a powerful way to relax, unwind and engage with your feelings. You really can get to know yourself better and grow as a person using art as a tool.
