#sparkchamber 111824 — Amy Smith
Creative process is the fuel ignited in our #sparkchamber series. It may seem like it’s all about the outcomes — the show, the event, the launch, the big reveal … But really it’s all about the everyday, day-to-day, doing the work, connecting the dots, making the ends meet. We celebrate that constant creative pulse today with #sparkchamber alum, the artist and activist Amy Smith. In her work, Amy uses repurposed materials to explore healing and transformation. But work is more than just the making. An artist is always in motion — writing grants, cleaning the studio space, packing and shipping art, finding supplies, making connections … a nonstop, always in-it world.
But wait … a big reveal! Amy’s latest work — a street mural entitled NoHo Love — will be unveiled November 22 at 5pm Pacific at the parking lot of 11235 Magnolia Blvd, North Hollywood CA 91601. The piece was commissioned by the NoHo Arts District, a one-square-mile community that is home to live theatre, dance studios, art galleries, public art, music-recording venues, acting and art workshops, international dining options, clothing and specialty shops, and businesses that create a myriad of art forms — “NoHo is where the art is made.”
Come on by this Friday to see the mural, and stay for dinner and a show!
Here’s more about Amy and her thoughts on the creative process, originally posted April 27, 2020.
--- ooo ---
Times aren’t normal, and it’s becoming clearer and clearer that the old normal — even if we could get there — isn’t going to cut it anymore. In that spirit, and with that powerful voice, #sparkchamber is pleased to welcome self-taught contemporary artist and activist, Amy Smith. Born in New Jersey, Amy moved to Los Angeles where she found inspiration, mentors, and support in the Street Art community.
In her Collage Portrait Series, Amy uses photography, layers of hand cut stencils, and torn recycled fashion magazine pieces to deconstruct self-identity from brand identity. Using upcycled magazines gives an added importance to the environmental while focusing on a new narrative showcasing women with the goal to unify. These portraits create a space to feel connected to oneself and to each other in authenticity.
Amy’s mixed-media collages have been shown at Saatchi’s The Other Art Fair, Wallspace Gallery, The Whole 9 Gallery, and have been part of auctions such as revered Julien’s Auctions with artists like Mr. Brainwash, Shepard Fairey, and Andy Warhol. Her works can also be found on online galleries like SaatachiArt and Artsy.net, as well as featured in a number of private collections, residences, businesses, television shows, and films. She is currently exploring a new series of collage with neon elements, and a series of stencils on natural wood.
All of her shows have been cancelled due to the virus — we’ll let you know when everything gets going again — but in the meantime, she will be doing live painting and tutorials on IG. There’s some good stuff to watch at her YouTube, as well as a feast for the eyes at her website.
1.] Where do ideas come from?
I like to brainstorm and look at a lot of research. I get inspiration from things I read, issues I want to share, or ways I want to empower people. I try to think of how I want the viewer to feel after they look at my paintings.
2.] What is the itch you are scratching?
Right now I have a couple things going on. I am focusing on a Powerful Pop Culture series dedicated to women that have made significant change in our world to showcase the importance of using our voices for change. And how that can be translated into the popular culture if that’s what we deem valuable.
3.] Early bird or night owl? Tortoise or hare?
I work best at night. I have a 3-year-old as well so most times I’m working during his nap or after he goes to bed. I try to carve out and schedule my time. I definitely use a to-do list as much as I can. I have things written down so I know where and what to focus on. As an artist you have to be the creator and promoter of your work. I spend most of my time creating though. I work with galleries and promote my work on social media. I love collaborating with other artists too. That’s always a fun way to get your work out there in a different way.
4.] How do you know when you are done?
I just recently really paid attention to when I thought I was finished a painting, I was still anxious about it and took some time away from it. I realized I was not finished. But when I was done, I felt calm. So I try to pay attention to the calm feeling and if it’s not there, try and figure out why.
