Today we’d like to introduce you to Anjalé Perrault
Hi Anjalé, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
When I talk about my journey as an artist I reference my upbringing a lot because it influences the work that I make in a huge way. Growing up in the LA foothills was unique, but I didn’t realize it when I was young. My parents bought a 900 square foot cabin in the Angeles National Forest 8 miles up in the canyons when they were right out of high school. There was a creek running right behind our house, stray dogs we’d take in, coyotes at night, bears here and there, snakes in the grass – it was totally wild. My mom was a teacher so we’d drive out of the canyon about 30 minutes to school every day, then wind back up the hills to our little cabin in the woods. We didn’t have a shower, only a bathtub. Like I said, I had no idea it was out of the ordinary until maybe 3rd or 4th grade when I started going to birthday parties and all of my friends had these white picket fences and manicured front lawns. At that point I realized that my life was something different – and also really special.
This is why I paint what I paint. I went on to study art at UCLA, then opened an art school in Redondo Beach and taught fine art for 16 years before deciding to paint full time. Throughout it all I still painted plants and animals. These are the symbols that are etched into my memory. They are what I use to tell my own stories when I speak through imagery.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
What I’ve found challenging as an artist has been finding the balance between the desire and drive to create and how to find the time to pack in everything that I desire to get done in a day/week/month. I am someone who loves trying new things, but this can often derail me from the task at hand. In other words, I’m a serial starter … so I can have a hard time finishing what I set out to do. I tend to work in waves, with big creative bursts that are super productive, followed by a period of time in which I need a little more rest and self care.
Another block for me has been the administrative aspect of my business. When I owned an art school and had an assistant my life ran much more smoothly! It’s incredibly difficult for me to keep on top of e-mail, my calendar, gallery submission deadlines, and all of the other miscellaneous administrative tasks while also painting 6 days a week. I feel that so much falls through the cracks and I’m never really getting it all done. And this from a Virgo!
Despite mistakes along the way I do believe that these moments are our greatest teachers. Calling in help is my mantra – something I never used to do, and what I now know is 100% necessary for my survival and thriving.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a botanical oil painter and muralist specializing in plant and animal symbology, inspired by the culture and landscape of Los Angeles. My work is known for it’s bright pinks and colorful palettes, and my current body of work, “Temptation”, is easily identified by the snakes painted on each canvas.
In addition to snake paintings, I am also preparing to launch my fine jewelry line which is inspired by the edgy themes from this body of work. I am so proud that each piece is handmade to order in Downtown LA from recycled gold and ethically mined gemstones. These pieces are heirloom quality, and I imagine that they will be passed down for generations – which for me is the dream. I remember as a child admiring my grandmother’s silver Mexican jewelry collection. It had been gifted to her by my grandfather, who brought it from his family in Mexico. My grandmother would wear this antique jewelry right alongside her costume jewelry and bright red lipstick, and make it look so fabulous – whether she was gardening or having a dinner party. These are my memories of her, how I remember her lighting up a room, and are now the inspiration for the pieces that I’ve designed to adorn my own body, my friends, and my community.
The jewelry collection is an invitation to – like the snake – shed your skin and be reborn. To invent and re-invent yourself time and time again. For me, this is what I hope that my art, my jewelry, and my social media can offer. Opportunities for connection, liberation, and expansion.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I used to have a block with social media as a networking tool – kind of a love/hate relationship with it in the sense that I felt it was a necessary evil. I knew I needed to stay relevant, keep my page fresh, and my followers updated. Then I had a revelation when reels came into the picture. For some reason the process felt so much more creative to me than slapping together a carousel of images. Much more dynamic and engaging.
Now I have tons of fun posting the most ridiculous reels on my instagram page – some of them are painting reveals or short art process videos, but others are just trending audios, a spontaneous dance party caught on film, or some ridiculous idea of mine come to life. And for whatever reason it works. I feel connected with my community and as though I have total permission to be my full silly self which is suuuuper important for me. Authenticity is everything. If I feel like I have to put on a show, or even put on makeup on a day I’m not feeling it then the post just won’t happen. I need to know that I can just show up AS ME in any given moment. That’s what creates the best outcome. When I can do that then I’ve found my special sauce. I have videos on Instagram in my sweatpants and reading glasses, and some in full cocktail dresses. For me, that’s how it has to be to work.
Pricing:
- Prints start at $55
- Original acrylic and oil paintings from $900
- Fine jewelry made to order
Contact Info:
- Website: https://anjale.com
- Instagram: anjalepaints
Image Credits
Alice Kuo-Shippee
