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Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Grantham
Hi Amy, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always been an artist first. That part has been a lifelong process. I always say that I’ve created since I was able to grasp a crayon. I drew constantly as a child. My grandmother saved these big drugstore calendars that were just white paper on the back along with stacks of “funny papers.” I drew Garfield and Peanuts and all of the Sunday comic characters until I could draw them from memory. I scribbled on the bottom of the kitchen table. I created characters and stories and honed that craft I feel like since birth.
I grew up (sort of) and wound up spending more than 20 years working in education. I mostly taught computer classes, but my art has always come into any role I’ve taken on. While working in the computer lab, I was yearbook advisor, webmaster, and wore about 40 other hats that played up my artistic strengths. I was constantly drawing, painting, designing, and engaging in any other art related thing I could get my hands on. My art can still be seen on the walls and logos and t-shirts and posters that dot the campus a few years since I’ve been gone.
I got involved in the Arts in McNairy organization prior to 2020, but took on my current role there during that tumultuous year. My involvement started with a solo show of my own, and, soon, I was asked to take a vacant seat on the board. I became Visual Arts Chair and took on the task of not just promoting my own work, but promoting others. In my role there, I oversee what goes into our gallery space. I recruit artists, promote their work, curate shows, organize receptions, and try to make sure our little corner of the world sees what they have to offer. Arts in McNairy is an amazing nonprofit organization that helps our community to celebrate art, theater, music, and cultural diversity and history. I am so honored to be involved and to be able to help carry out their mission.
As for my own art, I started a page dedicated to my work on Facebook a few years back. My work is generally bright and whimsical and not too serious. I still love a good cartoon character or comic strip. I’ve gotten into digital work, but keep a lot of freehand, imperfect elements in there. I try to stay true to myself and true to my roots. Crayon-textured lines and primary colors still shape my work. I take requests on Wednesdays as my schedule allows, and take on odd jobs and commissions whenever I can.
If I can make someone feel something whether by showing someone else’s work or my own, I feel accomplished. Those feelings may range from childlike wonder and silliness to hope to sometimes painful empathy. It’s important to feel them all, and I think that’s the purpose of art anyway. It’s how we connect to emotions visually. For many of us, it’s how we express, receive, and convey emotions with ourselves and those around us. A painting is a conversation and not just a static square of paint. It’s an outreached hand, a recognition of self, catharsis, empathy, hope, happiness, love and/or pain, and processing all rolled into one piece of work and delivered to the world. It is the very thing that makes us human.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I wouldn’t say it’s been particularly smooth, but I’ve been lucky. There have been definite bumps. I’ve had a natural knack for art. I’m wouldn’t say I’m an amazing technical artist. I’m not much on realism or perfection, but I’m ok with that. I play to my strengths, and it has worked for me. Commissions can be hard. Very hard. I think that’s been the hardest part for me. Most of the time, I can provide what someone wants without issue. Now and then, though, it’s impossible. I think most artists would agree with me on that. That is always discouraging, but I don’t think giving it up is an option. Some people will love your work, and some won’t. Criticism is tough even if you’re pretty confident, but I’d advise people to stick with it. Your audience is out there.
Smoother for me has been my promotion of others. I think I’m great there. I can see someone else’s value and promote it easier than my own. I want other artists to thrive and do well. I have a natural inclination to help people and to be of service to my community. I’ve enjoyed watching artists grow, and love to serve as a jumping off point for them.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
When I was working at school, I drew lots of posters. Sharpies on posterboards, paint on posterboards, etc. I designed lots of t-shirts, and occasionally worked on murals. I worked quite a bit with acrylics during that time.
My art has evolved, but I think I’ve mostly kept my signature style. I think more recognizable than the medium I choose is the way I draw and create. I’ve been told that my work is recognizable by people close to me. They can pick it out of a Facebook feed or from a poster in a window. My outlines are generally bold and black. I’ve held close to those comic roots and use lots of bright, primary colors. When I’m being more abstract, I still keep those elements but tend to add birds, flowers, hearts, splashes of paint for balance. I use recurring themes and processes. “That looks very Amy” is something I’ve heard more than once.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Don’t quit. If you’re great at something, keep at it. If you’re bad at something, keep at it. “Bad” is subjective anyway. In the way of art, I would say that if it feels right, then, do it. There are no rules you have to follow. You can take inspiration from other artists, but you don’t have to compare yourself to them. I think with art that it is best if you follow your intuition. If you want a splash of green paint on the top left corner, splash it. You don’t have to explain to anyone else why it felt right. I can’t always explain why I chose to do something creatively. I don’t chase perfection. I chase emotion and balance, but not perfection. I’d also tell people to loosen up. Don’t take yourself too seriously.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.artsinmcnairy.com/
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/amygranthamart