Angela Berger

1. Tell us a little about yourself...family, career, personality, location, etc.

I am a wife, mom and art enthusiast who loves learning and teaching. I studied architecture and interior design in college. I prefer smiles to frowns any day!

2. What is your favorite kind of art? What is your art "style?"

My artistic style could be classified as classical or whimsical realism. I truly appreciate and have studied art history and enjoy so many artistic mediums, from classical to zany! The Victorian era through the 1940s are primary influences on my creative endeavors.

3. When did you first get started in the art world? What were your first projects?
I have always enjoyed art, beginning with coloring books and crayons, except I embellished the images with polka dots, stripes, checks, or a blend of colors - stretching the boundaries, yet staying within the lines. School assignments that were artistic in any form were always tackled with enthusiasm. I have always yearned to write and illustrate children's books.

4. Who inspires you?
My parents are my primary source of inspiration, as they are always inventive, from Mom preparing most excellent meals and mastering a variety of painting techniques, to the technical, engineered and patented inventions or artistic creations by Dad. Watching my kids create and learn as they grow has proven to be inspiring. I also find inspiration from many sources, in many forms, and from other artists and acquaintances.

4. What are your favorite publications/books/craft shows?
Favorite book categories include interior decor, art and art history, antiques, and crafting ~ especially jewelry and paper artistry. Somerset publications; Where Women Create; Cloth, Paper, Scissors; Romantic Country; and Romantic Homes top my list of favorite publications.

5. Tell us something unique about your class!
Nothing I create comes from a "recipe". I basically started creating the Shabby Classy necklace by choosing a colorway and then choosing elements from my vintage and new stash, allowing the elements to dictate the direction my creation would take. Primary focus was to incorporate a variety of techniques so that students would leave class with the knowledge to create jewelry on their own. Seeing the happy face of a new creator is just awesome!

6. Give us some links to your fabulous art!
My art can be found on my blog
www.filigreemoon.blogspot.com
...in my newly growing Etsy shop
www.filigreemoon.etsy.com
...and at Cottage Panache Gifts and Antiques, in Richland Hills, Texas www.cottagepanacheantiques.blogspot.com