Ever so often the universe conspires in your favour and your absolute favourite artist nonchalantly agrees to be featured by you! One would think there are angels at play, and one wouldn’t be far from the truth. Well there’s one certain Angel for sure – Angel Bedi – most popularly known as The Filmy Owl, her moniker and brand name.
I cannot even begin to describe the serious case of good vibes her art emanates. Known for her signature water colour style, her very filmy quotes, her unique font, her effervescent social media presence, and her extremely quirky brand – Angel is a creativepreneur (hey, that’s a word okay!) par excellence. Having amassed a legion of followers over the years, she seems unfazed by the stardom few get to enjoy.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BW_sRoaBBN_/?taken-by=thefilmyowl&hl=en
I find myself agreeing with and relating to all her philosophies, her unabashed love for Punjab, her ability to keep it real (duh), and her passion for all things art. This is just a decent way of saying I’m a FULL TIME FANGIRL!
Here, I get to pick her brain on everything under the sun, and she breezily lets me into her beautiful mind. Welcome to one of my most treasured posts till date. 🙂
https://www.instagram.com/p/BV6pty8j8RJ/?taken-by=thefilmyowl&hl=en
If you weren’t this awesome-artist-lady, what would you be?
If it wasn’t for that chromosome, an awesome artsy gentleman maybe? Now that I’ve used the big biology word, I would have been a doctor!
Tell us one thing about yourself that no one knows.
That I’m happiest when left alone. Also I need to say the one time password (OTP) out loud 3 times and I still type the wrong numbers while shopping online ! : )
(Err, sister, that makes two of us!)
What’s your favourite brand?
All cruelty free brands that don’t expect me to sell my left kidney to shop from them are my favourite.
(That candour, uff!)
https://www.instagram.com/p/BVrXnRTjcZO/?taken-by=thefilmyowl&hl=en
One thing you would never endorse?
Anything that has been tested on animals .
Tell us where your love for all things vintage was born.
All the credit goes to my dadi’s gold rimmed ‘ainak’ ( spectacles ) that always managed to get fixed when broken. Old things from back in the day have this charm of infinity. They are not disposable like the 30 pairs of sunglasses in my closet!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BTZOEIcBTvq/?taken-by=thefilmyowl&hl=en
Any advice for those who want to become artists?Â
It’s not important to monetise your art. You could be the most amazing artist and still have a 9 to 5 job. Also no one becomes an artist…we are all born creative…could be the way you match your clothes or could be the way to talk. Even conversation is an art form.
(Okay, I have to admit – that kinda blew my mind!)
What’s the toughest part of your profession?
It’s hard to explain to people what I actually do for a living, because when I say, ‘ I live’, that turns out to be a rather vague reply.
What keeps you motivated?
Frozen fruit popsicles!!!
Someone you look up to?
My dog, Chabi. I need to reach the state of zen she oozes out of her soul twenty four seven!
Best piece of advice you ever got…
Don’t listen to anyone’s advice . EVER!
(PREACH GIRLLLL! I couldn’t agree more even if I tried!)
https://www.instagram.com/p/BVZhAJtDc1S/?taken-by=thefilmyowl&hl=en
Describe your personal style in one line…
I’m a confused high fashion gypsy with a hippy soul who is trapped in a glass jar with an impulsive need to shop online and never return or exchange, even the things that don’t fit. That was one line!
What would you tell a young girl who’s not too sure what career path she wants to take?
Be a rebel, take some time off and travel ( yes I know not everyone has the luxury to do that) but time doesn’t mean a year, it could even be a week, and travel doesn’t mean Euro trip, it can even be the mountain next door. Travelling solo can really answer a lot of questions. Oh and always keep a journal. Always !
What’s your idea of unwinding?
Chai and a ukulele – I can’t really play but that doesn’t stop me from playing, does it?
(Major modest vibes here. I really look forward to her Insta stories where she treats us to her musical skills!)
What feeds your soul?
Compliments. Lots and lots of compliments.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BUdn9txjL6y/?taken-by=thefilmyowl&hl=en
How addicted are you to social media?
If you follow me on Instagram, you know that answer already!
What’s your take on feminism?
I understand equality but I’m over feminism. I demand superiority. Women bleed for a week and don’t die, so yes I want parking and seats, free cake, discounts of gym memberships and what not. Women are NOT equal. We are more (and I adore men who understand this fact; yes there are many).
(YASSSSSS QUEEEEEN!)
One misconception people have about creative entrepreneurs…
That we are all pseudo intellectuals. Well thats not a misconception (haha)
One thing that “growing up” has taught you…
All the cracks and bruises have worked very hard to make me who I am today, in this moment. So growing up has taught me to start falling love with the flaws.
(FLAWSOME SISTERS UNITE!!!)
One thing that travelling has taught you…
It has taught me to be greedy for the right things, ie. more travel!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BUn0sjmji0x/?taken-by=thefilmyowl&hl=en
What does being a Real Girl mean to you?
To me it just means being an honest empathetic human! : )
Hayeeeee! All my writer/blogger/interviewer propriety is out the window at this point. I loved picking her brain and have concluded that she’s my spirit animal. Well her, and Karan Johar – but that’s not important right now.
You can (and should, quite frankly) check her work out here and here.
Don’t forget to like and share this post, support art and artists that matter!
Thank you so much Angel for doing this with me. I love you more than you love Bobby Deol – and we all know that’s saying something. 🙂
(#RealGirlsRock is a segment on the blog wherein I reach out to interesting, creative, awesome women who inspire me with just who they are. It’s like an ode to all the real girls out there – ultimately, that is the main reason this blog exists. If you, or anyone you know, would like to connect and be featured please reach me at realgirlco@gmail.com)
READ MORE: #RealGirlsRock: In conversation with Savi from Bruised Passports.
              #RealGirlsRock: In conversation with Bombay Bellyrina.