Machines and misty memories
Angie nguyen’s dreamy art recalls gizmos from times gone by.
What kinds of techniques do you use in your art? I do both traditional and digital art, but these days, digital is my main focus. I work with a lot of isometric perspectives of objects and mini environments. When I do traditional art, I love working with gouache, watercolour and coloured pencils.
Why do you combine manmade items with natural elements?
I love the contrast of the two elements and how it seems to mirror my own reality. I sometimes feel like I’m a worn-down machine, left abandoned in the woods and reclaimed by nature over time. I was born with a lot of health problems and felt I was constantly striving to do the most I could with what I had. I worked so hard, but for the longest time my heart wasn’t in it. I had a major identity crisis after college and realised I didn’t want to go forward with my chosen career – instead, I decided to embrace art fully. Art saved me. I’ve grown into a much happier and more fulfilled person because of it, and that’s what I’ve been trying to show.
And why have you chosen this soft, soothing colour palette?
In the beginning, I was terrified of colour. I did a lot of ink drawings and pencil sketches to avoid it. But as I challenged myself, I realised I love soft, muted tones and the way they convey a sense of nostalgia.
Nostalgia is also represented in your art by things like Game Boys, cassettes and arcade games. Do you have an emotional connection to that old-style technology? I definitely have a strong connection to it! I was quite a shy kid and escaped those nervous feelings through video games and music. As an adult, I find myself seeking solace in the innocence of childhood, and that unadulterated joy. I love how you can get lost in games! Their ability to transport you to another place and time is just so much fun. I love all the old Nintendo 64 games – especially Mario Kart and Mario Party. I also played almost all of the Pokémon games on my Game Boy Advance SP as a kid.
What is your relationship with technology these days? I’d say I have a love/hate relationship with technology. It’s amazing in the ways it can connect people and facilitate the sharing of art and inspiration. But sometimes it holds us back and distracts us from being present and mindful. I try to give myself breaks from it; I think it’s all about balance. I really enjoy playing Animal Crossing, though!
What other kinds of things do you like to draw? I really love drawing drinks and food, as I’m a huge foodie and love to eat! I also enjoy drawing cute animals and lots of plants.
It seems like you use illustration as a way to channel or organise your feelings. Is that true? That’s a super-keen observation and I’d say it’s pretty true. I used to be a prolific writer and would write down my feelings on a page. It really helped me make sense of all the craziness in my mind, because I’m a terrible over-thinker. I think art has replaced that, and often I find my personal thoughts mirrored in what I draw, even when I don’t intend it.
Do you watch or listen to anything while you draw? Yes! If I really want to focus and get in the zone, I’ll listen to calming music, or music that stirs something up in me. I also watch a lot of Youtube vlogs while drawing because, as an illustrator who sits at home all day by herself, I get a little lonely sometimes. Having someone talk through their day is strangely comforting.
Any curious facts about yourself you’d like to share? I had a kind of wild start to life. My parents are both Vietnamese and fled their country to escape the Communist government – I was born in a refugee camp in Malaysia before I came to the US. At six months old I had open-heart surgery, and due to my refugee status, I had to get special permission from the Malaysian government to be transported to the capital for surgery. I had a 20 per cent chance of surviving because of the delay, but here I am today!
Where can we find you online? On Instagram at @artbyangie.jpg.