ANGELA Strickland was born in Hobart, Tasmania and moved to Wodonga a few years ago after living in Melbourne for 13 years.
“Beechworth has attracted me in various ways, whether it’s been creatively, communally or just randomly,” she said.
What do you do work wise?
I am a writer and illustrator primarily working with comic books, self-publishing, freelancing and mentoring in those areas. I also run the local Beechworth Farmers’ Market.
What brought you to your role/career?
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I always loved storytelling, so I started self-publishing my books at local events and putting myself out there as I learn my craft. Then you tend to meet people and find the right audience, opportunities and inspiration. You keep building from there. I really feel meeting people randomly can change your life in unexpected ways.
What do you love about your work?
I love expressing myself creatively and sharing that with others. It is nice to have the contrast of being locked up in the studio with meeting others at a local market or travelling to a distant comic convention. Community is everything, even for someone as introverted as me. So, it’s nice to keep things in balance and remember to have fun.
What do you do in the community?
I currently manage the Beechworth Farmers’ Market on the first Saturday of each month and I love it. We have so many gifted growers and creators locally and it’s a nice day to mingle and trade collectively. We are blessed to have such a great community. Markets have always felt magical to me and very intimate, as you get to meet the creator of the goods face-to-face.
Is there an important community issue that you think needs addressing?
I think technology and social media is crippling children and youth’s mental health and development.
What would you do to solve change or improve that situation?
I would restrict the use of devices and social media to age 18. However, a lot of us rely on such devices and socials in rural areas so it’s tricky. Catching up in person and getting involved with community events is very important for everyone instead of being stuck behind a screen. I think that’s the main problem.
What do you see as one of the most important current world issues?
We have been encouraged in western societies to feel “victimised” rather than feeling resilient and empowered. Life is about overcoming the hardships and learning about ourselves to make room for something better.
If the person you would most like to meet or knew, came to Indigo Shire or was already here, who would that be, what would you show them, and why?
That would have to be Pam Gregory, an astrologer who I really look up to. We would take a mini road trip throughout the shire to visit tucked away treasures like the Magic Forest and the Yeddonba Aboriginal cultural site. Then of course, check out the Beechworth Farmers Market. I also love walking from Woolshed Falls to Beechworth, eating Caulioccoli Pie at the bakery and walking back in the arvo.
What book are you reading?
I just read Shigeru Mizuki’s “Kitaro the Vampire Slayer.” It is a comical manga written in the 60s about Japanese mythical creatures known as yokai.
