Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Hart.
Hi Amber, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was born in Covington, Louisiana in 1997 as a first-generation born American from a Belizean family. My mother had immigrated to America from Belize in 1978. In 2012, we moved to Texas and started a life in the suburbs. This is where I would like to say my work’s foundation grew. Much like our neighbor New Orleans, our houses and people have an abundance of character. Community, where I am from, meant everyone knew everyone. If you were born there, you most likely (almost indefinitely) we’re going to stay till the end. Texas showed me the first glimpse at the cookie-cutter lifestyle. My “community” felt like a subway station. Homes become more like holding units instead of a foundation for a family. This concept became clear when Covid-19 took over in early 2020. I began to observe everything and everyone from my studio window.
I graduated from the University of North Texas in May of 2020. It was a rough beginning to my career, but crucial time to stay focused. My studio practice relies on personal experiences, research of America’s middle class from ’40s to present, and art history. The focus on houses stems from 2 years of Interior Design study in college. Don’t forget humor. If you can’t laugh while making art, is it even art.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I think I can speak for all artists, that our path is never smooth. Painting is a mental game. It’s a strain on us physically, emotionally, and financially. I struggled with the idea of getting out of college in the middle of the pandemic. My graduation ceremony was a video on YouTube that announced my name around the 50-minute mark. I would say it is currently still a struggle to keep pushing through the bumps, but my persistence is giving me small rewards as I go.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My work focuses on the past and present lifestyles of American’s suburbia.
I would say that my work screams kliche. This makes sense based off the artists I admire including John Currin and Jeff Koons.
Most proud of? That’s a tough question. Remember when I said this a mental game?
Upcoming events include a solo exhibition at the Arts Fort Worth Center in March of 2022!
Title of show: Their Neck of the Woods
Pieces to see: ink wash and oil paintings. Total of about 18 pieces
March 4-26, 2022 at the Arts Fort Worth
Arts Fort Worth address: 1300 Gendy St., Fort Worth, TX
Opening Reception is on the 4th
Artist Talk will be held in mid March ( to be determined)
What were you like growing up?
As a kid, I would draw animals and cartoon characters in class. As you could imagine, my teachers were not fond of this. My private school, Lake Castle, in Louisiana was solely academic-based so they tried their best to corral my wandering thoughts. I am and always have been a motivated, goal-oriented individual. A big personality with bigger dreams.
Contact Info:
- Email: Amberhart1224@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.amberhartart.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amber_s_hart/?hl=en
