Our Head of Art Luke Baker recently sat down with Little Van Gogh artist Angela Dierks to discuss how creating art is a counterpoint to her work as a psychotherapist and the benefits of losing yourself in the process of painting.

Where do you find inspiration?

Inspiration can be found anywhere. I frequently stop the television to take a snapshot of a still because I saw a pattern or colour combination that appealed to me. Or I might notice an interesting texture in a rusty door that I pass in the street.

Most frequently I am inspired by the beauty of the natural world, in particular the beauty of flowers. I love the incredible rich palette of flowers at different times of the seasons.

How has your practice changed over time?

I think over time I have become looser in my work, trusting the process more and simply going where the work takes me. I am less invested in achieving a particular idea of a painting and more relaxed at engaging with the work that develops in front of me.

‘At The Contact Boundary’

‘Calling All The Seas’

Who are your biggest artistic influences?

There are so many and they keep changing all the time. I love the American Abstract Expressionists, specifically Joan Mitchell; I love César Manrique’s use of texture; I wish I could draw like Tracy Emin; and I still look at Gerhard Richter and Anselm Kiefer’s work with wonder. I remember my heart literally jumping with joy when seeing one of Richter’s Cage paintings for the first time.

What’s the purpose or goal of your work?

Maybe there is a desire to create some sense of harmony through the work. Other than that I don’t think I have a particular goal in mind other than going along for the ride and enjoying what I am doing. I certainly don’t have a ‘message’.

Does creating art help you in any other areas of your life?

I work as a psychotherapist and often hear very sad stories. Creating art creates a counterpoint to some degree. Art is my own form of therapy. I think it’s the only activity where I can almost completely switch off and lose myself in the activity.

What’s the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

Trust the process. Don’t worry so much about the outcome. Just get going and don’t try to achieve anything at all. The rest will follow.