Chainsaws and Jelly: Chainsaws & Jelly

This is the first muse where we feature a creative couple. Meet Angela Pilgrim and Christian Vigoya. They had the best energy to be around with and I just love the art they produce. Efrain Mercado behind the photography. As always, thanks Eggo for always being there! Without further ado, here are the muses!

You both have different styles when producing pieces. How would you describe your aesthetic when creating these wonderful artwork?

Angela: I find beauty in physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual energy. I came up with a few words to describe my work:

emotional, physical, mental, spiritual, energies, connections, levels, tantric, humming birds, incense & sage, candles, pomegranate, nectar, allah, god, celestial, memory, knowledges of good & truth, bible, tree, life, lotus, rebirth, death, throb, intellectual, polarity therapy, massive energy flows, whole, human energy field, invisible, using touch, verbal interaction, exercise, nutrition to seek balance/restore natural flow of energy, shamanism, flows from the universe and into the body through chakras, emotional release, healing achieved through manipulation of complementary energies, phoenix, red, fiery, halo around crown of head, tibetan clouds, stars and stardust, eyes wide shut, moon., lovers, green with jealousy

Chris: I put a focus on simple aesthetics; I draw a lot of inspiration from pop, folk, street/graffiti and bad art; bright color schemes and cartoon-esque figures placed on top of psychedelic backgrounds- with a conscience rejection for composition and visual and verbal depth. My work doesn't try to be something that it's "supposed" to be, it just is- and that's the beauty of it. It wants to be enjoyed, not for the words I use to explain each piece, but for what it is visually.

This is the first time we've done a muse with a creative couple! Do you both prefer to work together/alone? Do you feed off of each other's energy, opinions, etc?

Angela: I like the mixture of working in solitude but also together. In my solitude, it allows me to channel into another zone and a flood of visions come to life on canvas. Working together helps me get a second opinion on an idea for a work in progress, composition or sketches for potential paintings. I like the best of both worlds for the creative journey of a piece, just depends on my vision.

Chris: I like my alone time when it comes to sketching up ideas and whatnot, but I always consult with Angela about my ideas afterward; we bounce different ideas off each other to further our creative processes. It's like having a second mind to work on each piece with me, kind of like constant collabs.

Do you have any projects/art shows coming up?

Angela: I have various projects in progress; a few commissions, a mural at an art center I frequent during the week for youth in my area, collaborations with various artists in NY/NJ, and a few shows that I will mention in the next few weeks on www.thedivinevision.blogspot.com. So there's a bunch in store for the spring, summer and fall to keep my year busy. Stay tuned!

Chris: Well, I'm going to Greensboro, NC for two weeks and am going to get a mural approved for a skate park I used to frequent, and I'm trying to get some collaborations done with various artists. As far as shows go, I'm working on getting some shows going for the spring/summer in NJ and NY.

Do you have any projects/art shows coming up?

When not creating, what do you both enjoy doing?

Angela: When not creating, i'm meditating, protesting for animals in NJ/NY, or reading piles upon piles of books relating to different cultures in the realm of teachings, history, food, art, etc. Studying different cultures is a catalyst for my art pieces. I'm currently studying Egyptian hieroglyphics and animal symbolism shamanism. I'm hoping to incorporate the hieroglyphic language in a few future pieces. These are three other significant passions in my life that people would probably not expect from me. Meditating helps me become one with myself, detox any unwanted energy in my life and my surroundings. I think of it like a time to open up a spiritual capsule in my life, an act of prayer. I am a 10 year vegetarian, and avid about animal activism. I recently just got into protesting a month ago. It felt good to make a difference in viewers who are not aware of the mistreating of animals. I strive to live my life balanced, liberated and healthy. I'm thinking about getting back into belly dance. I loved the first two classes I took (haha).

Chris: When I'm not drawing or painting, I enjoy collecting records and skateboarding. I've been collecting music for sometime now, and have a decent collection of records/cassettes/cd's. I love having some good booty shakin' jams to paint to, it makes for good vibes. As for skating, I've slowed down alot with it since pursuing art full time, but I still try to get out and skate with friends when I can. I'd really like to design some art for skateboards too! Ya know, mix one passion with another.

What did you think of the overall photoshoot?

Angela: I had a blast! Sheena and Eggs are one of the best directors/ creative duo I've ever worked with on a shoot. My girl, Sheena made amazing color choices on my makeup. This shoot was energetic, creative and very chill. You guys made the atmosphere so comfortable and I was highly satisfied with the overall experience. If I could, I would love to do it all over again!

Chris: I had a really good time, good vibes, that's for sure. I'm not one much for feeling comfortable around cameras, but the environment we all created made it such a great experience; I also got the chance to channel my inner George Clooney.