Visual Poetry: Alumni & Current Student Artists
Angela Meeks
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mirakle_studio/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/angelabardotmeeks/
Bio:
Angela Bardot Meeks is defined by the immigrant experience of two vastly different cultures. As a first-generation American and daughter of a Filipino mother and British father, she strives to be a bridge that connects a multiplicity of identities. She creates art, writes poetry and short stories, and teaches others through that lens of diversity. She lives and works in Stockton as a graphic designer, website manager, and event photographer for the non-profit radio station, KYCC.
Angela has exhibited previously at San Joaquin Delta College winning multiple awards, including Merit Awards for Photography and Sculpture as well as the Portfolio Award for Printmaking, during several Student Art Exhibitions. She also exhibited during the SJDC Alumni Show – Emerging Artists (2017). She participated in, exhibited with, and assisted in the curation of art exhibitions and events with Art Expressions of San Joaquin (2014-2019), including her personal show entitled Bridges: A Concept of Connectivity at the San Joaquin County Administration Building (2016). She has also had several poems, short stories, and photographs published in Artifact Nouveau, formerly known as Artifact (2007-2014), where she also served as Layout Editor and Visual Content Editor (2012-2013). She was published in a poetry anthology celebrating Stockton called Center of Attention: Poems on Stockton & San Joaquin (2023). A combination of self-taught and mentor-taught artist and writer, Angela received multiple AA degrees from San Joaquin Delta College and completed two BA degrees at Christian Life College in Bible and Theology as well as in Media and Communications.
Artist Statement:
As a child, I was fascinated by the photographs featured in the National Geographic magazines we owned. The idea of capturing stories, customs, and people captivated me. As young adult, I found my place among words written or typed across the page. Lending my heart to flow through metaphorical images as well as raw emotions spoken aloud to the crowd. As I was, I still am – fascinated, captivated by the concepts that define me: Identity, Culture, Communication, and Belonging.
Enigmatic Portrait of Self
Digital Photograph printed on puzzles pieces pasted on board, mat, and frame
21 ¼” H x 12 ¼” W Frame
2024 $150
Almost 20 years ago, Pieces was released by Red on their album End of Silence and I was instantly in love with this song. For a band that was primarily hard rock to nu metal, they opened with a minute-long piano and violin interlude until the guitar begins and the soft vocals enter. I could relate to the lyrics because I have often felt like a complete mess of a person, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually, but I have always found solace and peace in my relationship and faith in God. This self-portrait reflects my journey as a puzzle with scattered pieces of myself strewn across the frame, but with the belief: I will be whole.
Pieces (Excerpt)
Lyrics by Robert Douglas Graves
[Verse 1]
I'm here again
A thousand miles away from you
A broken mess
Just scattered pieces of who I am
[Verse 2]
I tried so hard
Thought I could do this on my own
I've lost so much along the way
[Chorus]
Then I see your face
I know I'm finally yours
I find everything
I thought I lost before
You call my name
I come to you in pieces
So you can make
Me whole
[Verse 3]
I've come undone
But you make sense of who I am
Like puzzle pieces in your hand
A Gate, Subverted
Digital Photograph printed on Canvas, Acrylic Paint, Book Pages, Sharpie Marker, Paint Marker
20.5” H x 16.5” W Canvas
2013 & 2024 $250
In 2013, I visited San Francisco with my family and shot an image of the Golden Gate bridge from the viewpoint of Fort Point. That photograph, A Gate, Shrouded, became my most popular and was bought by former President of SJDC, Dr. Kathy Hart, who had it displayed in her office until she retired. It is now currently displayed in the Engineering Department office.
A Gate, Shrouded, is a very pleasing piece to view; the composition of it was balanced and the name was perfect for it. However, with this new piece, A Gate, Subverted, I took that same photograph mixed with inspiration from Man Ray’s Untitled Poem, which features a “canceled,” “erased,” “blackout” poem, and subverted it. Man Ray’s poem, as well as his visual art, was deeply rooted in his following of the Dada movement, which spoke in protest through the rejection of traditional artistic taste and sensibilities. I used that inspiration to change what the photograph was and allowed myself to see what else it could become. Also, attached to the canvas are three blackout poems that I created as well as an original poem written specifically for this brand-new piece.
Untitled Poem
By Man Ray
Exhibition Season:
Alumni Artists Files