MEET ANGELA KATSAROS, VIVA LA AMBASSADOR
We sat down with Angela Katsaros, the force behind @angela_losangeleslife, to talk about Los Angeles art, creativity and how she stays inspired. Angela is a supporter of all LA things and her brilliantly colorful feed will keep you feeling motivated and cheerful...you don't want to miss out!
Please tell us a bit about yourself!
Hello Viva LA! My name is Angela Katsaros and I'm an Angeleno, born and raised with Greek ethnicity. As a preschool teacher for over 20 years, I have implemented my passion for teaching through art in my work. Currently as COVID has changed many things, so has my path. I have now devoted myself full-time to my page, @angela_losangeleslife, as a supporter of all LA things, and which I have especially curated towards the art scene.
What do you love most about living in LA? What would you change about LA?
I love Los Angeles and its diversity. There are so many cultures sharing their gifts, especially through food. It's like traveling the world within your own city. Also, let's not forget the amazing weather, which we enjoy 365 days of the year!
Now what would I change...maybe the traffic haa! But hey you just roll with it. I mean, if it wasn't an ideal place to be then maybe there be less.
Why did you choose the Viva LA items that you received?
Well that's easy! My name means "of the angels" and how perfect is this angelic heart, the heart of course is for that LA LOVE! I can't wait to style this in my home, perhaps in my office where I spend a lot of my time.
Viva LA HeartWings Wall Art (Red) - $198
What keeps you inspired?
Art! This year especially, I have looked to the streets to receive energy from the incredible talents that are constantly painting our city with beauty and strong messages. Street art is such a powerful form of creativity and has given me so much joy and happiness. When I hear that people travel to Los Angeles and make "plans" to explore these colorful walls we have here, I mean, that's energy!
What is your favorite message of hope?
Every step in life is a learning experience and I just want to say that in all situations you need to be your own advocate of joy. Even during this pandemic, I have had many moments of happiness. Finding a way to be creative was my way to express myself on this journey, and I believe everyone can find their own joy even in the simplest things. You just need to seek them out.
Who are some of your favorite artists and why?
There are so many talented artists in Los Angeles, I almost don't know who to start with. Let's start with our dear Ruben Rojas, whose wife just had a brand new baby, by the way! Ruben is such a strong light in the community and always delivers powerful messages about love. It's just beautiful how he incorporates this into his artwork; he's such an LA icon.
Next, Punk Me Tender, wow, what a dynamic force this French artist has been with such a huge cult following. I love his 3-D metal butterfly works that are spotted throughout Los Angeles and always go viral on our Instagram feed.
WRDSMITH also has touched my soul with subtle poetry and his famous paste-up typewriter murals. I was fortunate enough to attend his outstanding first solo show in 2017 which took place at Cafe Club Fais Do-Do in Los Angeles.
What are you most excited to do once COVID is over?
We had travel plans in the making which got canceled right after COVID hit, and I am super excited to rebook that trip again. I've never been to Paris, so that's what's first on the list. Oui! Oui! to a better, safer and COVID free world!