Angi Cooper's Whimsical Animal Art Blends Nature, Graphic Design, and Children's Literature

Angi Cooper creates art centered on animals, blending real species with imagined creatures. Her childhood fascination with animals evolved into works ranging from naturalistic renderings of endangered species to stylized characters. Cooper's background in graphic design influences her compositional storytelling, as seen in "Mrs. Chippy," a portrait of a cat that traveled to Antarctica, featuring map elements and carpenter tools referencing its human companion. She employs mixed media, including acrylic, paper, book pages, and color pencil on various surfaces like cradled panels, canvas, and wood. Shadowbox collage assemblages, such as "Curiouser and Curiouser" and "Fat Cat VII," showcase her playful approach. Themes include predator-prey relationships, indicated by white outlines, and interconnectedness with nature, exemplified in "Like Minds" with bronchi shapes, tree leaves, and a wood thrush. Inspired by children's literature, humor, and her volunteer experience as a former zoo educator, Cooper aims to evoke joy and whimsy, as in "The Delta Paws," depicting a dog and cat blues band with written lyrics. Her works include giclee reproductions of paintings like "Bathing Tabby," based on cats from Italy and her own pet, emphasizing compositional balance and stylized forms. Cooper continues to experiment and share her stories, inviting viewers to connect through her art on Instagram, Etsy, and Facebook.