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| Urban Growth |
The young artist has achieved a lot so far, Amy has attracted attention from major blogs and people all over the web. She was a finalist in the 2010 Signature Art Awards at Degree Art Gallery in London and nominated for the 2010 and 2011 Palm Art Awards in Germany.
She is now based in Toronto painting full time from her studio. Recently, a time-lapse video revealing her unique process went viral–reaching over 700,000 people. You can see it below.
It is a great honor for us to have Amy on our blog as 'Artist of the week'. We truly appreciate such young talented artists. Catch her interview below:
Amy, please introduce yourself to E-junkies.
I am a 25-year-old, professional artist. I've exhibited paintings in New York, London, Toronto, Montreal and Calgary. I received my BFA Honours Degree from York University in 2008 and now paint full time from my new studio space in Toronto. I'm represented by the Elaine Fleck Gallery in Ontario, the Gerry Thomas Gallery in Calgary and Degree Art Gallery in London.
What influences the artist within you?
Most of my inspiration comes from my travels. I take photos everywhere I go. So far I've managed to explore parts of Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, Croatia, Vienna, Peru, New York, Chicago, Boston, England, Morocco, etc.
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| Green Underway |
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| Garden Expressway |
Have you always wanted to become an artist? When did you realize that you're meant to do something extraordinary?
I remember back in kindergarten, the teacher went through a list of things we could be when we grew up, and when I heard artist as one of the options on the list, I just grinned from ear to ear. I thought, ‘You mean I can do this for a living?’ Ever since then I worked towards my goal. As a child, I taught myself the basics by drawing and sketching in my free time. I focused on art my whole life and received my BFA degree a few years ago. Now I'm painting full-time, having solo exhibitions and participating in International Art fairs! It's a dream come true.
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| Watershed Moment |
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| Silver Lining |
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| Connection |
Please enlighten us with your wonderful artwork, Amy. It's brilliant! How do you do it? How did you learn this amazing artwork?
I've been working towards this technique for a few years now. Right out of school I was doing dripping, but it was mostly with a brush. As time went on, I started introducing the drips as a natural part of the inspiration for my work. It was a more organic way to express myself, as opposed to the hard-edge details of the more concrete forms. So I started dripping on the floor, and rotating the canvas on my easel to direct the flow of paint. I worked on unstretched canvas at first, so the surface was flexible and I could move it however I wanted. And that worked pretty well. But when I became more experienced with my technique I abandoned my brush completely and started dripping concrete forms and more straightedge details on a stretched canvas. It was more exciting and fun to challenge myself to work with gravity alone. It’s interesting to look back at the last three years, because with every piece, I used fewer and fewer brushes and then finally, only drips. So it was a process.
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| Heat Wave |
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| Over And Above |
On an average, how many hours does it take you to complete one painting?
It depends on the piece, but on average it takes 35hrs over the course of 1-2 weeks to finish a painting (not including the drying time between layers).
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| Tunnel Vision |
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| Terraced City |
Which painting has been the most challenging one for you to create?
To keep things interesting, I challenge myself more and more with each piece. As soon as I'm comfortable with my technique or scale, I change things up. I think the most challenging piece so far would have to be "Piazza Naturale." At 60" x 90" it's my largest, single panel painting yet! Not only was it heavy and awkward to move around my studio, but I needed a step ladder to paint the top. My next goal is to paint a piece twice it's size!
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| Piazza Naturale |
And the painting which is closest to your heart?
I had to learn how to "let paintings go" pretty early. I wouldn't be able to support myself, financially, otherwise. I have my favourites, but I try not to get too attached to them. On average, I have new paintings in my studio for only one or two days before I deliver them to a gallery or client. My painting "City, On the Rocks" is still near the top of my favourite list, but I also love "Reinforest Concrete", "Urban Growth", "Garden Expressway" and many others.
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| City, On The Rocks |
Share the best compliment you've ever received for your work.
I'm always touched when others connect with my work on a deep level. Here is a recent example: "I have come across many artists' online galleries in my time, and I have never contacted an artist before. I just felt the need to tell you that I was literally moved to the point of tears while looking over your work. I can't remember the last time that has happened to me, and I just wanted to thank you for existing and for creating."
What has been your fondest memory through this artistic journey?
I will never forget, back in March 2009, when I quit my full-time office job to focus completely on my art. The owners of the company didn't want to lose me as an employee, but believed in me at the same time. They commissioned me to paint multiple pieces for the office right away and helped me start my career. I can never thank them enough for that.
Do you have any dream project?
Yes, I think most artists do. I've wanted to create an "endless" painting for some time now. I want to create a series of paintings that, when placed side-by-side, will form one large, futuristic, urban landscape. I just need to find the time and funds to make it happen!
Share with you favorite activities. What do you like to do in your free time?
When I'm not traveling, taking photos, attending openings or dreaming up my next painting, I enjoy playing sports (soccer, volleyball, basketball), watching movies, and meeting up with friends.
Many other artists would draw inspiration from you. What message do you have for them?
First of all, do everything you can to get your work out of your studio and into a space where it can be seen by others. When you enter the art world, don't be afraid of rejection. You are going to hear it again and again, so you have to be strong and have a thick skin. Don't forget to take risks with your technique and leave your comfort zone, you may be surprised with what you come up with. Most of all, create something unique that you enjoy and are passionate about.
Amy, thank you for this wonderful interview with us. It was great to learn more about you and your amazing artwork. We wish you all the best for everything that comes your way! :)
You can follow updates about Amy's artwork on Facebook and Twitter.
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