Meet Zach Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Zach Angeles. They and their team shared their story with us below:

Zach Angeles is a multimedia teaching artist born & raised in Hawaii on the island of Oahu. The core values behind his work lay in 1) emotional representation through mediums/techniques, 2) advocating/showcasing emotional equity through representation, and 3) storytelling/private journaling through language. His diverse visual art practice extends from drawing/painting, small-scale sculpture, large-scale installation, and fashion design. He has exhibited at the Hawaii State Art Museum and the Axis Gallery in Sacramento and was the featured artist for Mental Health America of Hawaii in 2018. 

He is currently an independent Teaching Artist for the Hawaii State Foundation of Culture and the Arts, specializing in unconventional/abstract visual art practices for virtual and in-person communities. As well as a brain trainer for LearningRX Honolulu-West, specializing in one-on-one cognitive training for individuals with learning disabilities. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has not been smooth (much like many creatives). Growing up in Hawaii as an artist meant continuously finding avenues to “fit in” within the market. There was always a lot of pressure to figure out “Where am I showcasing next?” or “Will I be able to sell any of this work to make ends meet this month?” Several venues/businesses turned me down because my work was not in the norm of the islands. However, as my style and skills developed, I had to learn to accept that my artwork will never fit the mold of an ideal Hawaii artist. That I needed to create for me and my tribe, my community. That where is more people beyond the island that can be part of my community as well. 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a multimedia teaching artist. My frequently used mediums are acrylic paint, charcoal, clay, and construction materials. The core values behind my work lay in 1) emotional representation through mediums/techniques, 2) advocating/showcasing emotional equity through representation, and 3) storytelling/private journaling through language. 

However, what I am most proud of are the art curriculums I develop for young students & adults. As much as I love making art, I have learned that teaching others & watching them create is what makes me the most fulfilled. Art lessons are primarily project-based, as each student/group has a customized lesson plan for skills and concepts they would like to learn. With either a technique or expression-focused program, I hold space for students who are willing to learn a new art medium or dive deeper into self-awareness through creative wellness practices. 

What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memory will always be crafting accessories for my toys. As a housekeeper for a Waikiki hotel, my grandma would always bring home toys from the lost and found for my brother and I to play with. With those toys, I would always build cardboard boats or cars or houses for them to interact with. I remember always getting so excited to see a stack of cardboard, so that I could build something new each day after school. 

Pricing:

• Virtual Art Lesson – $85 (1.5hrs)
• In-Person Art Lesson – $120 (1.5hrs)
• Group Art Lesson – $120 (1.5hrs)

Contact Info:

• Website: https://zachangeles.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zachj.angeles/