Meet Angelina Villatoro | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Angelina Villatoro and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Angelina, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I have always loved to create and draw since I was a baby and could pick up a pencil. Art is my passion and I feel that it is my life purpose to pursue this. I can feel my heart ignited with a burning passion and desire for art, my interests, and to succeed. I want to work doing what I enjoy and love the most; following my dreams and my heart’s desire for a happy and fulfilling life of prosperity. I also want to share my art/creations, and my story with the world and inspire people.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I suffered from selective mutism as a child. I was diagnosed with Autism at age 12 and had become selectively mute due to severe anxiety. I didn’t know how to express myself and had depression, so I would draw all day. I would draw and create to express my feelings and release my emotions and negative energy, and all the pain I feel. It also helped to calm me. As I devoted myself to art, I became more serious about it and wanted to draw more realistically so I’d practice drawing every day to improve. Making art helps me feel better and self-portraits help me love myself more and to be more positive. In my portraits, I like to add blood tears which represent how I feel. My mutism drove me more to do art which helps me express myself. I taught myself how to speak again in High School which was so difficult. I am much better today but still struggle. I want to tell stories through my artwork and want my art and story to reach people and let them know they aren’t alone and that you can overcome any challenge and achieve anything you dream of.
As an artist, and person, I am inspired by my interests, artists, music, old films/silent films, and classic vintage gothic style. I have always felt like an old soul, and want to show what makes me who I am in my art as well. I wouldn’t be the same person without my interests and passions because they have really impacted me and my style. I also love to draw butterflies and roses. To me, they symbolize my growth development, blossoming, becoming the person I am meant to be, and reaching my full potential.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I recommend Boulevard Brew and the Kimbell Art Museum. Boulevard Brew is a very nice place that serves coffee, and pastries. They also have art and music shows there and I was very grateful to have had the opportunity to have displayed my artwork for their last October exhibit. The Kimbell Art Museum is my favorite in Fort Worth. They have a beautiful building, a renowned art collection, and a cafe. I love to go and sketch there sometimes.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family and my siblings inspire and support me, without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I would also like to dedicate my shout to my High School art teacher Kimberly Tezak-Daus, and my art professors at TCC, Janae Corrado and Angel Fernandez for their support.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelinakv.art/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Angelinakv.art