Liz first saw Amy’s work in a group show at Norte Maar in Bushwick. She bought 2 of her paintings that day and has them hanging in her room. Needless to say, we are big fans. Amy infuses the traditional practice of still life and portraiture with a her own unique style. Her work is charming and smart, and  it makes us smile.

Hometown: Portland Oregon

Currently Resides: Bushwick, Brooklyn

Studio Location: Bushwick

Day Job:  Yes, I assist a prop stylist

Gallery Representation: Storefront Gallery in Bushwick, Brooklyn and  House Gallery in Salt Lake City

Primary Medium: acrylic on mdf (a kind of fiberboard)

Are you a member of any art groups and/or associated with any movements or practices? Not officially.  I help out with Laundromat gallery and Airplane , two artist-run exhibition spaces in Brooklyn.

Undergrad Education:     BA Art Studio University of California, Davis

Graduate Education:  post-baccalaureate certificate, Brandeis University, Waltham, Mass; MFA in painting, Tyler School of Art, Elkins Park, PA

Art Historical Influences : Matisse, Henri Rousseau, Petrus Christus, Van der Weyden, Hans Holbein, Van Eyck, american folk art painting

Contemporary Art Influences :  Sarah McEneaney, Tomma Abts, John Currin, Lisa Yuskavage,

Other Influences : my painter friends: Matthew Miller, Helena Wurzel and others

Favorite Work of Art: impossible to really pick a favorite, but I love Picasso “Three Musicians” at MOMA

Favorite Gallery: not including ones I help out with or show at (see above) Monya Rowe in Chelsea, Famous Accountants in Bushwick

Favorite Museum: The Met

Favorite Artist to Watch: Ella Kruglyanskaya

Favorite Gallery Show: really liked Judith Linhares’ show at Edward Thorp earlier this year

Q&A

What are your influences and inspirations? Old painting (see artists above); patterns and color in clothing, fabrics, rugs; all kinds of plants: potted plants, flowers, gardens; women, especially ones I know, and their clothing

What are you currently working on? A still life of dahlias, tulips, and a potted plant sitting on a round table.  Also a portrait of my friend holding a bouquet of dahlias.

What has been your most effective method of promoting your work? Moving to Bushwick, Brooklyn and meeting lots of other artists.

If you could do anything else, besides make your work, what would you do? Start going swing dancing again, study evolutionary psychology or neuroscience