034: Angela Paet
Based in Washington State, Angela Paet is a Chamorro carver and wearable art craftswoman dedicated to continuing her father's legacy through her artwork.
Angela Paet
Primarily working with bone, Paet crafts intricate storyboard pieces and cultural jewelry that celebrate and connect with Chamorro heritage. She also designs modern and wearable mestisa skirts, blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary styles.
For Paet, art is the free and boundless expression of one's inner passions and curiosities. Inspired by her father’s legacy, Angela taught herself to carve using videos she had recorded of him after his passing. This self-taught journey allowed her to immerse herself in Chamorro culture, learning and creating pieces that tell meaningful stories and keep her father's memory alive.
Angela Paet
Paet’s years in school were formative in shaping her creativity. Shy and reserved, she learned to be brave, humble, outgoing, and inquisitive through her coming-of-age experiences. These qualities ultimately helped her grow as an artist, encouraging her to take risks, try new things, and continuously seek knowledge. This period of personal growth is still reflected in her art today, which embodies courage, humility, and a relentless curiosity about her heritage.
Angela Paet
Thus, it makes sense that inspiration for Paet’s work often stems from her deep connection to her home, Guam. The beauty of the paradise island provides the fuel to keep her passion alive, driving her to explore her ancestry and the history of its people through her artwork.
Angela Paet
Paet describes her artistic process as a blend of chaos and meticulous planning. It involves sketching and refining her ideas before finally bringing them to life through her carvings. Despite the messy nature of this process, she finds fulfillment in transforming words, memories, and emotions into tangible pieces that tell personal and cultural stories. To this end, it seems Paet views her craft as both a personal and public endeavor. To her, her artwork serves as a means to connect with her heritage while for the greater world, she hopes to bridge cultural gaps, fostering understanding and appreciation for the richness of Chamorro traditions.
“Find inspiration and create from your unique perspective; avoid copying. There’s space for everyone, so practice “ina’famaolek” and support fellow artists. I assure you, it will enhance rather than hinder your artistry. In addition, use every opportunity to express gratitude to those who support you. ”
Angela Paet
Please introduce yourself and describe what you do.
Hafa Adai. My name is Angela Francisco Paet. I am a carver and creator, dedicated to continuing my Dad's legacy. Primarily using bone, I craft storyboard pieces and cultural jewelry that connect us to our Chamorro heritage. Additionally, I design modern and wearable mestisa skirts and bone carvings.
How would you define art?
To me, art is the free and boundless outward expression of your inner passions and curiosities.
Why did you choose your art form?
I began carving to carry on my Dad's legacy. I was committed to helping him succeed by showcasing his work online and verifying his details. Through this, I became fascinated by our rich culture, much of which I had never known. After my Dad passed away, I decided to try carving myself, learning solely from the videos I had recorded of him. And here I am today.
How did your high school/college years affect the work you make today?
I was very shy growing up. My high school and college years taught me to be brave, humble, outgoing, and inquisitive, shaping who I am today. Be courageous but not overly so, which fosters humility. Be outgoing and try new things; this brings life and experiences. Be inquisitive, asking questions from the right sources to continuously learn and grow.
Who do you idolize?
Jesus, for countless reasons.
Where do you get your inspiration?
Sometimes, I can hardly believe I come from a paradise island. Missing home inspires me every day. Over the years, I've grown curious about my Chamorro history and have many questions. This curiosity fuels my inspiration to learn, create, and share.
What do you do when you're stuck on an artwork or lacking motivation or inspiration?
I rest, pray, and reflect on my initial motivation for starting. I often listen to music, podcasts, read, and ask questions, seeking inspiration from a different angle. As a creator, it's easy to develop tunnel vision; broadening my outlook and refocusing is beneficial.
What do you like incorporating most into your art?
It's fulfilling when people can see my Dad's work in mine. I'm very intentional about storytelling with the details and stories my Dad shared with me.
What is something that you add to your art as your signature?
I love transforming words, memories, and emotions into pieces that tell a personal story. Storytelling pieces feel like my signature because I don't create just for the sake of making something. I carve to create a connection.
Take us through your process for making art.
Oh my gosh, it's chaotic. I can easily get overwhelmed once the wheels in my mind start turning. It starts with a passion or curiosity. I take the initial idea, create inspiration boards, research and fact-check, ask questions, and write down the story or information I want to share (because I'm old-fashioned and need to physically write on paper). Then, I make a few drawings to bring it all together, and finally, I create it. Afterward, I note what went wrong and how I can improve.
What do you struggle with the most when making art?
Endurance and if I'm telling the story with accuracy.
What role do artists have in society?
Artists encourage and inspire the community to embrace open-mindedness and empathy, and to see things from different perspectives.
What characteristics do you think all artists share?
Hmmm. Deep thinking, keen observance, and independence just to name a few.
What’s your favorite place in Guam?
Yoña, Valley of the Latte, Tendan Inda, Pops bakery, Pika's cafe, the beaches, too many to mention. The whole island lol.
How has your artwork evolved over time?
Growth and improvement is part of my work process. I started out just carving shapes now I can carve complete storyboard pieces like my Dad did.
Why did you choose to become an artist?
I didn't lol. I'm passionate, have a steady hand, and naturally enjoy crafting and engineering things.
Is your art geared towards a specific audience?
Yes and no. I carve to establish connections within the Chamorro community, and also to educate those unfamiliar with Guam and the Chamorro people.
Do you have any tips for aspiring artists?
Find inspiration and create from your unique perspective; avoid copying. There's space for everyone, so practice "ina'famaolek" and support fellow artists. I assure you, it will enhance rather than hinder your artistry. In addition, use every opportunity to express gratitude to those who support you.
