About Amy: Bio
Originally from Arizona, Amy is rooted in the West. Raised in a family that valued art, music, and books, she took to art at an early age.
Amy had an unconventional childhood. She and her siblings travelled extensively in the West while being home schooled by their mother, an English and Humanities teacher. They spent a lot of time outdoors. In high school she lived off the grid, where she developed an affinity for wildlife and wild places. She worked as a hotshot on a fire crew, and as a fire lookout.
Amy earned a degree in Art from Western State College in Gunnison, Colorado, graduating with honors. She worked in several different aspects of the visual arts before becoming a full time artist.
She now lives and works in Denver. In addition to painting she kayaks, mountain bikes, and plays the bass guitar. She still spends a lot of time outdoors.
Artist Statement: The Heart of Our Nature
My work gives voice to the powerful beauty of the west and its residents. It puts the subject out in front, venerating it, showing it respect. It celebrates grace and skill, and the dedication and hard work it takes to achieve it. It evokes fluidity and speed, and the joy that comes with movement.
My method emphasizes the subject, with attention to detail and perspective. Once those elements are established I proceed to work outward using broad, gestural strokes, blending the subject with the background, becoming gradually more abstract. I accentuate the interaction of elements; light and dark, hard and soft, foreground and background.
I need to make art, and I love the power of paint. I love to challenge myself through the process of turning a white canvas into a work with depth and color. My objective is to make something worthwhile, and to spark a connection with the heart of our nature.
