A breath of art

Angie Arsenault is a multi-disciplinary artist who explores both the mundane and the mystical in her work. “Life influences art, and art influences life.” In her younger days, she was influenced and inspired by musicians such as Evanescence and Sarah McLachlan. “I remember listening to Sarah McLachlan on repeat while painting.” 

As a singer-songwriter, artist, musician, and composer (among other things), Angie also considers the ways in which art influences art. Eagerly and excitedly she say that “a visual art piece can inspire a song, or vice versa.” 

Born and raised on PEI, Angie’s Acadian background are evidenced in her connection to the land and language. “There is something about island life that helps connect us deeply to the roots of creativity.”

Angie’s creative curiosities took her to several places, and she lived in Montreal for many years before moving back to PEI in 2021.  During her time in Montreal, Angie was dedicated to her vocal coaching practice. She supported countless students over a couple of decades by helping them hone their craft and getting their music out into the world. “People often come to me when they are ready to get outside of their comfort zone and grow into other styles.” Her eyes lit up as she described the joy of supporting other people in their vocal expression. “It is such an honour to witness people grow.”

Along with supporting other musicians and singers, Angie has been creating her own music for decades. She wrote her first song when she was 10 years old and has been writing on and off since then. Before crowdfunding was commonplace, Angie was the first Canadian artist to use the method to fully fund the production and release of an album in 2009. She has three full length albums and has been part of many other musical projects. 

Since moving back to PEI, Angie has resumed her painting practice. Once again reminding us that art influences life and life influences art, Angie say that “painting is messy, and the full experience of life is also messy.” As a grounding exercise, she uses PEI sand as one of the elements in some of her paintings. “My art is an exploration of emotion and an abstract reflection of the beautiful PEI landscapes.” Angie’s creative explorations are an extension of her experience: “Painting is like a big exhale, a sigh of relief.”

Along with her prolific visual art practice, she remains deeply immersed in musical expression. “Music is like breathing.” Being drawn to the collaborative, rather than competitive, aspects of music, Angie has also found home in her role as the director for Starlings Choir in Summerside. “I didn’t know I wanted to be a choir director and now I cannot imagine not being one.”

It was important to Angie that the choir was accessible to a wide range of voices, so they don’t have auditions, and everyone is encouraged to sing to their strengths. “Choir is a beautiful example of family, of community, connection, and creativity. I feel so honoured to co-create the space with everyone.”

“It’s about creating safe and fun spaces to connect, with each other and with the art.” The care and connection that Angie brings to a performance extends well beyond what we see on the stage. “It starts with the venue: the space needs to have that vibe I’m looking for to bring us all into a shared experience during the performance.” Leading with her heart, Angie can feel when a venue is the right fit and then is able to build a show with that specific space in mind. She has a similar approach to her musical choices: “I choose music that speaks to me, whether in English or in French. It’s about the feeling.” With the attention and care used to create the show, it is no surprise that the audience feels a sense of “belonging, connection, and togetherness.” 

Our conversation mirrored how I imagine Angie’s solo and choir performances go: a wide range of deep, meaningful connections through a series of heart breaking and heart opening moments, underscored by a beautiful glimpse into the depths of emotional expression. “I love to bring people on an emotional journey, whether in music or art.”