Set Grimsby as My Local news
By Luke Edwards, Reporter
Sat., May 20, 2023
Angela Bontempo’s journey into abstract painting began as a therapeutic exercise
The brush may be in her hand, but when Angela Bontempo starts painting, she’s often just a passenger along for the ride.
A longtime Grimsby resident, Bontempo began painting about 13 years ago and more recently turned it into her full-time profession. What started as a therapeutic outlet has become something more and the abstract artist is excited to have her work currently on display at the 13th Street Gallery in St. Catharines.
“I might have a vision of some sort, but by the time I’m finished, it’s completely different and it just kind of takes on a life of its own,” she said.
“Sometimes it feels like I have no control over it … which is kind of magical in itself.”
Bontempo was born and raised in Hamilton, but moved to Grimsby more than three decades ago. She began using art as a therapeutic outlet after losing her father and dealing with some health issues of her own. Primarily self-taught, she made the jump to full-time artist about three years ago.
The process of creating an abstract piece can be both frustrating and exhilarating at the same time, she said.
“The thing is, I don’t even really know what it’s going to look like in the end. It’s just kind of, I know when I’m finished, I’m finished,” she said.
She often chooses larger canvasses and mostly works in acrylics, which she said allows her to quickly build up texture and be spontaneous when applying changes. Much of her work uses blues as a main theme, though she will mix in other colours at times as well.
In addition to the 13th Street Gallery, her work has been displayed at the Art Gallery of Burlington, Grimsby’s Objects to Desire and the Bruno Capolongo Fine Art studio.
Bontempo’s career goals are as big as her works. She said she’d eventually like to be recognized on the international stage, and has been working on getting her art into galleries in Paris and elsewhere.
The 13th Street Gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., or by appointment. It’s located on the 13th Street Winery property, 1776 Fourth Ave, in St. Catharines.
To follow Bontempo’s work, visit artbyangelina.ca or follow her on Instagram @art.by.angelina.
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