Meet Angélique Glennon | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Angélique Glennon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Angélique, we’d love to hear what makes you happy.
Having lots of ideas is one part of what makes me happy. The other part is being able to bring those ideas to life and share them. When I first started making jewelry, it was challenging because my designs and materials were different from what you would typically see. I used things such as guitar strings, phone wires, and tulle. One problem was that these materials didn’t give me the results I had imagined. I know I’m not the only one who experiences the difficulty of translating ideas into the physical world – that’s the nature of working with materials. I think that’s the first challenge to overcome: to be able to transcribe what’s in your mind.
As I became more skilled at turning my thoughts into beautiful, unique jewelry creations, the process became easier as I felt that there was some sort of spiritual guidance leading me. Now, after I make a piece of jewelry, I sit back and observe my creation, feeling intense satisfaction. I wish to inspire. That is what makes me happy – to self-express and have a voice. I have conquered the challenge and I feel so free!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I have a taste for the unusual but it has to be interesting. It is reflected in my art. My journey began at age six when I was captivated by aerial views in an atlas and used grains from my neighbor’s dining room to create the figure of an owl on a piece of paper using beans, corn, and sunflower seeds. It was then that I realized that materials could be repurposed in unexpected ways. That idea stayed with me, influencing my work later in life.
In France, I started my first business at 23, making jewelry from colorful phone cables left behind by a technician. Whenever I wore my jewelry, which was crafted from unconventional materials, it caught people’s interest, sparking a lifelong passion for creating conceptual art jewelry.
After moving to America, I began exploring various art forms, including painting surreal aerial views of oceans and beaches. In 2001, I had a breakthrough —why not combine my jewelry-making with these paintings? This led to the creation of my first series, depicting aerial views in jewelry form. Over time, I developed three distinctive collections: The Frameable Collection™, The Unfunction Collection™, and The Hybrids Collection™.
What I am most proud of is my latest work, called Newelry™. It’s an innovative idea of showcasing the jewelry on matching paintings – all framed in museum-quality plexiglass boxes. What’s most unusual is that this jewelry is detachable and can be worn. This new, experiential approach has expanded my art’s appeal beyond women, as the pieces now resemble abstract art more than traditional jewelry. Each Newelry™ piece is whimsical, harmonious, and conceptual, pushing the boundaries of what jewelry can be.
Creating these series is time-consuming but fulfilling. And each artwork can start a conversation. My art has evolved into a collectible body of work that challenges conventional ideas and celebrates the importance of creativity.
Through my journey, I’ve learned that discovering and nurturing one’s talent is essential for a purposeful life. You must gather a team to help execute your vision and to remain disciplined in pursuing your passion. Everyone has a special talent that can give them a secure identity and a clear sense of direction. It’s important to explore the depths of yourself to find your purpose, even if the path isn’t always easy. As the French say, “C’est l’intention qui compte”— It’s the intent that counts.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Arrival Day: Tuesday
Start the week with a full-day iconic tour of LA, covering must-see spots like Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and the beaches, using Trip Advisor to guide us. We’ll dine at The Misfit Bar & Restaurant in Santa Monica in the evening. It’s a perfect spot to settle into the local vibe.

Day 2: Wednesday
We’ll start the morning by exploring the Santa Monica Farmers Market, which opens at 8:30 AM, to pick up the freshest organic ingredients. Afterward, we’ll embark on a hike in Escondido Falls in Malibu for a peaceful afternoon in nature. For dinner, we’ll enjoy plant-based delights at Café Gratitude in Venice.

Day 3: Thursday
After a slower morning where I’ll cook lunch using our fresh market finds, we’ll head to the Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine. The tranquil surroundings and lush gardens are the perfect escape from the city. We’ll take a walk around the lake, and visit the museum and gift shop. My friend will be amazed that such serenity exists in LA. In the afternoon, we’ll relax with tea and a swim at the Annenberg Community Beach House in Santa Monica. I’ve made reservations ahead of time for this lovely beachside experience.

Day 4: Friday
We’ll dive into LA’s artistic side with a visit to the Arts District, where vibrant street art and galleries abound. Afterward, we’ll tour the La Brea Tar Pits to step back into LA’s prehistoric past with an excavation tour. As evening approaches, we’ll unwind with a picnic at LACMA’s Jazz Night, enjoying live music under the stars.

Day 5: Saturday
Our Saturday begins with an energizing morning workout at Gold’s Gym in Venice. After a good session, we’ll head to Bergamot Station in Santa Monica –– a hub for contemporary art and creativity. Lunch will be a treat at Ivy at the Shore in Beverly Hills. In the evening, we’ll take in a dance show — reservations will have been made ahead of time using the Fever app to find the best performances in the city.

Day 6: Sunday
Sunday morning will be dedicated to treasure hunting at the Rose Bowl Flea Market, an iconic LA experience. After a morning of exploring vintage finds, we’ll have lunch at Agnes Restaurant and Cheesery in Pasadena. In the afternoon, we’ll attend a live play —I’ve already reserved tickets. We’ll head back to Santa Monica for dinner, where we’ll indulge in Latin American food at Si Mon.

Day 7: Monday (Last Day)
We’ll enjoy a late breakfast at The Kettle in Manhattan Beach before spending a relaxing day by the ocean. In the late afternoon, we’ll head to The Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach to explore marine life and wrap up our adventure with a memorable visit.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Since 2012, my friend, Lynsey Foro, a fellow artist, has helped me refinish and display my three-dimensional, conceptual art jewelry series called Newelry™. I am so grateful for her continued support.
My friend, Brian Driscoll, a professional musician and furniture designer, has patiently answered some of my questions about how best to display my artwork, especially when it comes to showcasing the jewelry within the space of the painting. Additionally, he assists me with tasks that are better handled by someone with his skill set, such as sawing and piercing. There are many practical matters that require behind-the-scenes work to enhance the my Newelry™Collections. I couldn’t have done without him.
I am also grateful to the Landmark Worldwide organization. It offers personal training and development courses that have helped me expand my creativity for the past twenty-six years.

Website: https://www.angeliqueglennon.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angeliqueglennonfineart/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/angeliqueglennonfineart/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/angelique-glennon-fine-art-santa-monica-2

Image Credits
Lynsey Foro
Alejandro Douek