From her sunlit studio on Hawai‘i’s Big Island to gallery walls in Seattle and digital showcases across the world, Angie van Mulken, known professionally as AVanM, is redefining what it means to create from the heart. Her art is not just visual—it’s emotional storytelling through colour, intuition, and faith.
“I begin each piece with a vision in mind, but allow the materials and my instincts to guide me as I work.” — Angie van Mulken
Early Life: From Struggle to Strength
Born and raised in the United States, Angie’s early years were marked by emotional and financial hardship. Though she rarely shares details, she often credits those challenges for her resilience and empathy—qualities that now pulse through her paintings.
After completing design school, Angie pursued professional roles in design and business, later returning to study business in 2014. But the corporate structure couldn’t contain her creative spirit. The pandemic years became her catalyst to shift from career to calling, unlocking a new chapter: AVanM.
Becoming AVanM: A Declaration of Presence
The moniker AVanM™ isn’t just a brand—it’s a statement of identity.
“Anything related to art I introduce myself as AVanM; it’s my trade name. Otherwise, Angie.”
This simple yet powerful distinction embodies her artistic philosophy: art and authenticity are one. Around 2021–2022, she fully embraced her path as a professional artist, selling her first pieces and building an organic following online. Within a short time, her works began selling for up to $5,000, marking her arrival as a serious creative force.
Artistic Style: Whimsical, Dreamy, and Deeply Human
Angie describes her style as “whimsical and dreamy with a touch of magic.” Her canvases radiate vivid colour, layered texture, and emotional resonance. She draws inspiration from:
- Nature: the raw beauty of landscapes, flora, and the ocean.
- Emotion: translating life’s highs and lows into visual language.
- Faith: a spiritual undercurrent that grounds her artistic process.
Each brushstroke tells a story. Her process is intuitive—driven by vision, feeling, and spontaneity—resulting in art that invites both wonder and introspection.
Milestones & Recognition
Despite being early in her fine-art career, Angie’s achievements are striking:
- Featured in multiple magazines and art books spotlighting contemporary female artists.
- Her artwork displayed on a billboard in Times Square, New York.
- Exhibited in a downtown Seattle gallery, expanding her visibility.
- Increasing presence in women-in-arts networks and international creative platforms.
- Growing demand for mural and commission work, showing her versatility beyond canvas.
“Being recognized as an artist can feel like an uphill battle … I encourage everyone to be persistent in achieving their goals.” — AVanM
Influences of Place: From Hawai‘i to Holland
For several years, Angie and her husband lived in Hawai‘i, where the lush landscapes and rhythmic ocean life deeply influenced her palette and perspective. Today, she divides her time between the Pacific Northwest and Eindhoven, Holland—balancing island warmth with European refinement.
This duality infuses her art with contrast: the vibrancy of tropics meets the introspection of misty forests and old-world architecture.
Philosophy & Purpose
Angie’s guiding principle is authenticity. She encourages others to live—and create—without constraint.
“Believe in yourself and don’t let anyone put your soul in a box. Be versatile and willing to try new things … As an artist you need to push yourself.”
Her faith and gratitude also anchor her outlook. She often notes that every opportunity unfolds according to divine timing. Her work, at its core, is about connection—to self, spirit, and the shared human story.
Looking Ahead: A Vision in Motion
As AVanM continues to expand her reach, she’s working on new projects including:
- Large-scale murals and collaborations
- European exhibitions and art fairs
- A redesigned website and branding line
- Explorations into art-inspired fashion and design
Each step represents a new brushstroke in her evolving masterpiece—a life where art and authenticity intertwine.
Why AVanM Matters
In a crowded contemporary art landscape, Angie van Mulken stands apart because she paints not trends, but truth.
- Authenticity: Her art is raw, reflective, and real.
- Resilience: She transformed adversity into creativity.
- Connection: She builds community rather than competition.
- Vision: Her hybrid of design discipline and intuitive art bridges structure with soul.
“The door that opens for me is mine; if the door opens for another person, that is fantastic.” — AVanM
