Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Twomey.
Hi Amy, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey as an artist began with my deep-rooted love for creativity and the desire to express myself through various mediums. From a young age, I found solace in art, constantly sketching, painting, and experimenting with different forms of artistic expression. It was clear that art was not just a hobby but an integral part of who I am.
As I embarked on my academic journey, I pursued a BA in photography from The University of New Mexico and a MA from The University of Wisconsin and studied for a year at The Art Institute of Chicago. These educational institutions provided me with a solid foundation and allowed me to refine my technical skills while encouraging me to explore new artistic horizons.
Throughout my artistic journey, I have explored a variety of mediums, including photography, pottery, painting, jewelry design, and printmaking. Each medium offers a unique outlet for my creativity and allows me to explore different aspects of my artistic vision.
One particular area of photography that holds a special place in my heart is capturing the spirit of high school seniors. For over 25 years, I have had the privilege of photographing these young individuals on the brink of new beginnings. It brings me great joy to hear about where they plan to go to college and to witness the excitement in their voices. It’s refreshing. It makes me love my job!
Currently, I am working on a series of mixed-media paintings for an art exhibition. I constantly push myself to explore new techniques and challenge my creative boundaries. I love painting on large canvases. I feel claustrophobic working small. I try and try and just keep going back to working large. I have room to fit everything in the space(no restrictions). I am also working on a fun avant-garde photoshoot this month that I hope to exhibit in the fall. This is a project I’ve wanted to do for a long time, and I’m really excited about it.
My journey as an artist has been shaped by my passion for creativity, my educational pursuits, and the transformative experiences I have encountered along the way. I continue to grow and evolve as an artist, constantly seeking new avenues to express myself and touch the lives of others through my art. Art is not just a profession for me; it is a calling—a calling to create, to inspire, and to make a positive impact in the world.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
A pivotal moment in my artistic journey occurred in 2018 when I was faced with a life-altering diagnosis of incurable blood cancer/NMZ lymphoma. This unexpected news served as a profound wake-up call, forcing me to confront the fragility of life and reevaluate my priorities. Suddenly, the importance of time and living with purpose became crystal clear.
While this diagnosis brought challenges, it also ignited a newfound determination within me. I made a conscious decision to seize each moment and immerse myself in the beauty of nature as much as possible as a healing tool. I search for inspiration in the world around me, embarking on challenging adventures—last year I hiked Rim to Rim of The Grand Canyon!
These experiences in nature became motivation for my creativity, infusing my artwork with a renewed sense of depth and meaning. The awe-inspiring landscapes and the resilience of the human spirit that I encountered on my journeys find their way into my art, somehow transforming it into a reflection of my own journey of healing and self-discovery.
Despite the physical and emotional hurdles that accompanied my diagnosis, I found solace in the creative process and used art as a form of therapy. It became an outlet through which I could express my emotions, navigate my fears, and celebrate the beauty of life amidst adversity.
I have learned the tremendous power of art as a tool for personal growth and resilience. It has always taught me to embrace uncertainty, find beauty in the midst of chaos, and cherish each precious moment. My journey as an artist has been profoundly shaped by the resilience I have cultivated in the face of adversity, and it continues to fuel my artistic expression today.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Painting has become an integral part of my life, allowing me to translate my experiences and emotions onto canvas in a way that captivates and surprises both myself and others. Each piece I create begins with a sense of direction, but as I lose myself in the process, the painting takes on a life of its own, transforming into something truly awe-inspiring. It’s as if the canvas becomes a portal to my intuition, a space where I can fully immerse myself in the present moment and let my emotions flow freely.
The act of painting is a deeply spiritual experience for me. It’s a moment of complete detachment from the worries and distractions of the world, where I can drift off into a beautiful and curious realm. It’s in this state of creative meditation that I find comfort, inspiration, and a profound connection to something greater than myself.
If you examine my artwork closely, you’ll notice recurring symbols that hold personal significance. Tally marks, the number 5, birds, and crowns are often present, representing my family and the journey I’ve embarked upon in life. These symbols serve as visual threads that weave throughout my body of work, adding layers of meaning and inviting viewers to delve deeper into the narratives behind each painting.
I firmly believe that art has the power to connect us with our emotions, awaken dormant feelings, and offer empathy, relatability, and profound contemplation. Art has become an integral part of my own story, and it is my hope to leave a lasting legacy of art that others can enjoy and pass down to future generations. It brings me great joy to think that my creations can evoke emotions and spark conversations, fostering a sense of connection and understanding among those who experience them.
In essence, painting is a conduit for me to translate the kaleidoscope of my life experiences onto canvas, creating a visual language that speaks to the depths of human emotion. I am committed to pushing the boundaries of my creativity, continually exploring new avenues of self-expression, and leaving a meaningful artistic legacy behind me.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
This is what I discovered during the Covid-19 crisis when the world took a pause and allowed us to reflect on our true north. It was a time for me to pursue my purpose. I accomplished a lot during quarantine (because sitting still has never been easy for me)! I took the initiative to lead an “Artist Way” group over Zoom, and it was a transformative experience. A group of eight strangers to each other became sacred friends as we created a space for vulnerability, support, creativity, and encouragement. I strongly believe in the importance of community, especially for creatives. Additionally, I became a certified holistic health nutrition coach through IIN (in hopes of bettering my own health with cancer), learned the art of pottery, was gifted a kiln, and transformed a part of our home into an art studio. And I reignited my passion for painting. Rediscovering painting after all my life experiences and after raised three children has been incredibly fulfilling. I realized that our days are limited in ways I never truly grasped due to the pandemic and my cancer diagnosis in 2018. However, maintaining a positive mindset and gracefully pushing forward have become the key to my happiness. I hope to one day live in a charming, eco-friendly adobe home nestled in the desert with my husband. I envision it surrounded by a vibrant garden, cozy guest cabins, and an art studio where I can host workshops and retreats. My goal is to create a nurturing, healing environment where others can explore their artistic potential and find solace in the creative process. Never again do I want to go a day without painting! I have discovered something that brings me pure joy and fulfillment. It feels as though my days are too short because all I want to do is paint. However, life tends to get in the way, so I carve out dedicated time each week to balance it all: quality time with family, preparing slow-cooked healthy meals, going on daily 3–6-mile walks, spending time with friends, pursuing my work with photography, designing websites, painting, and updating my pottery shop. Life is really good! I never take a day for granted. I am so happy to be here!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.amytwomey.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amytwomeystudio/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amytwomeystudio/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuKXDYCoLuA9-QIVkAV_J3g
- Other: https://www.amytwomey.com/about-2
