We’re excited to launch our new collaborative candle series, "Artist by Candlelight," where we pair the incredible work of Kansas artists with our hand-poured candles. To kick off the series, we’re thrilled to introduce Angela Muller, a self-taught artist whose work captures the wild beauty of the Kansas prairie. For our first collaboration, Angela’s painting Moon Before Yule will grace the label of our limited-edition candle. We sat down with Angela to learn more about her art, inspiration, and connection to the land.
Meet Angela Muller at Artist by Candlelight - Q&A
Q: Angela, can you tell us a little about your journey as an artist?
Angela: I’ve been painting for about ten years, but I didn’t start out with the intention of becoming an artist. My journey began as a way to process the grief of losing my father. Living on the prairie, I found that nature had a lot to teach me about time, loss, and resilience. Each of my paintings tells a story, and many are inspired by the land’s deep history.
Q: Your work has such a strong connection to nature. What draws you to the Kansas prairie?
Angela: The prairie is part of who I am. I’m a fifth-generation Kansan, and I’ve always felt a deep connection to the land. There’s a quiet strength here—whether it’s the soaring hawks, the slow-moving rivers, or the resilience of prairie grass. My art reflects that, both in the themes I explore and the materials I use, like river silt, prairie sage, and rust.
Q: Your painting Moon Before Yule is featured on the label for our collaborative candle. Can you share the story behind this piece?
Angela: Moon Before Yule represents the wisdom of cold winter moons, and was painted at the time of the winter solstice. It is a reminder that even in the darkest moments, light will return. I put this painting outside during the winter solstice to absorb the energy of the longest night tilting toward the returning sun. The texture is grain that symbolizes that small things, well tended, can grow into greatness. The rust reminds us that time is fleeting.
Q: You’ve exhibited your work across Kansas. What do you enjoy most about sharing your art with others?
Angela: I love connecting with people who are curious about nature and the stories it holds. It’s always great to meet others who see the beauty in the plains. Through my work, I hope to inspire people to look at the world around them with fresh eyes and to feel a deeper connection to the land.
Q: What can people expect at the upcoming Artist by Candlelight event?
Angela: The Kansas Earth & Sky is my favorite place to exhibit because we gather to enjoy candles and art. You can expect an enjoyable night browsing delicious autumn candles, and hopefully find a small prairie moon painting to take home as well. I will give an art talk on the use of wild Prairie materials and why I paint to connect people to the spirit of wild things. It will be an informal come and go evening of fellowship and community.
Join us at Kansas Earth and Sky Candle Co. for the first "Artist by Candlelight" event featuring Angela Muller and her beautiful artwork. The event will take place in two weeks at our studio in Ellinwood. Come hear Angela’s story, explore her art, and celebrate this exciting collaboration with us. Come Meet Angela Muller at Artist by Candlelight October 26th at 6pm. Each candle in our Artist by Candlelight collection goes beyond just fragrance – it’s a piece of Kansas’s creative spirit. When you purchase this candle, a portion of proceeds is directed to enriching art programs for students in rural Kansas, nurturing the next generation of creators. Additionally, our artists receive a commission from each candle sold, allowing us to directly support their work and vision.
This candle is our way of celebrating art, education, and the vibrant local talent that makes Kansas unique. Thank you for being a part of this journey!
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