Florence Angeloni
I am excited to introduce the work of Florence ‘Flo’ Angeloni, whose photographs are featured in the BPAI & Baird & Warner Community Art Collection. With a deep passion for gardening, Flo has fostered various flower gardens in her backyard to attract butterflies, bees, and insects who make up the quiet workers of our ecosystem. She doesn't have to travel far to capture nature's natural beauty and the cycles that come with each season of the year.
Flo is not only building a nourishing environment for nature to thrive; she intentionally documents it and celebrates the micro level of the botanical world. Nature and plant life are indeed a gift to coexist with, and we hope her work inspires you to slow down and take in nature's beauty. To learn more about Flo and her practice, read the Q&A below.
To view the Community Art Collection currently on display at Baird & Warner, click here.
“My work is perfectly imperfect”
Artist Q&A
A conversation between Michelle Ruiz and Flo Angeloni
Michelle Ruiz: Tell us briefly about your background and what led you to the arts.
Flo Angeloni: I've always found a way to express myself creatively. As a child, I made clothes for my pets, and as an adult, I learned the trade of painting. I started painting walls when I was 18 years old, and I became a tradeswoman by 20 years old. I mastered faux painting; the walls were my canvas, and latex paint was my medium. Going through all the phases along the way, new construction, in-house, insurance rehab, and being a foreman for many years. I then had my own design company and am now a project manager.
MR: We are excited to feature two photographs from your portfolio in the BPAI & Baird & Warner collection. One is titled Blue Bachelor Button, and the other Pink Echinacea. I enjoy your micro approach in these works; these details can be taken for granted quickly. Can you tell us what draws you into nature and why documenting these moments is essential?
FA: Nature is constantly evolving and reflects the seasons. The processes of growth, flowering, and decline all yield subject matter and have their unique beauty. The interaction of plants and animals fascinates me, and each has its role and interconnectedness, helping each other grow and thrive.
MR: Where do you go when capturing moments in nature? And are there specific plant/flower species you are drawn to for documentation?
FA: I’ve planted a garden that provides milkweed, nectar plants, and shelter for Monarch Butterflies. In the current incarnation of my garden, I decided to create an oasis for Monarch butterflies as my garden is a registered Monarch Waystation. The butterflies, bees, birds, and many wanted and unwanted insects give me a wide array of subjects to photograph at close range. As an avid gardener, I’ve planned and created different themed gardens.
MR: I love flowers and often keep them long after they have lived as dried petals. When viewing your work, I pick up on themes such as preservation, beauty, and celebration of nature's hues. Can you walk us through your process behind the lens and what moments you look for when photographing?
FA: Capturing insects in motion is a challenge that requires an awareness of the time of day, the position of the sun, and that I move slowly and remain silent. In these moments, I feel most connected to the wonder of nature. These tiny creatures are unseen yet help pollinate flowers, fruits, and vegetables. I think most people take insects' efforts to give us pleasure in nature for granted. We need the bees and butterflies! I want to share the efforts of these tiny workers juxtaposed against the flowers and sky. The beauty and connectedness of nature are my inspiration and fascination.
MR: Do you have other bodies of work outside of nature that you would like to share with us?
FA: Collage is another medium for me to express myself. I use existing photos and my photography to create kaleidoscopes of nature that are inspired by the natural world and my love of gardening.
MR: What is the best way for someone to get in touch to purchase a print from you?
FA: I feel fortunate to bring color into people's lives through painting, collages, gardens, and photography. Please let me know if you want to see more of my work, talk about gardening, or purchase a print. I can be reached by email or phone.
Artist Information
Florence Angeloni
Phone: 708-705-4038
Email: floangeloni08@gmail.com