Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Elizabeth.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
As far back as I can remember, I’ve always had a pencil, crayon, and the likes in my hand, drawing anything from Disney characters to fantastic creatures I created in my mind. Drawing was the primary way I expressed myself as a child, as well as a teen and young adult. It was something that was always there, regardless of the ups and downs I experienced throughout my life.
I decided in my late 20s to attend Memphis College of Art to hone and improve my drawing skills, as well as learn graphic design skills. I still carry what I learned to this day and implement it in my craft, and I am always looking to learn new ways to make my drawing skills. As an artist, you never stop learning.
It wasn’t until 2014 that I decided to start putting my art in public spaces with my first in-person art event after participating in group gallery shows that I had been in since 2008. I was hooked and have never looked back. I currently do multiple in-person events, including events out of state. Being a traveling vendor has been the best way I have had to meet not only other artists, but patrons and collectors. Watching someone’s face light up with joy over a work I have created brings home why I do this. I want people to feel connected to art and the person who created it. That’s the point of creating, isn’t it….to connect with each other over shared emotions.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It’s not always been a smooth road. Obstacles happen. I also work full time as a chef, so trying to balance a full time job with a travel schedule can sometimes feel like burning the candle at both ends. Economic challenges can happen, too. Depending on how folks feel about finances, there can be sales slumps to deal with. To try and help alleviate that, I offer multiple price points so folks can still have a piece of art, still have a little something that brings joy.
Another obstacle is the rise of generative AI. Despite it’s controversy, the truth remains that it is extremely harmful to artists of all stripes. Continuing to create with the threat of theft of your work to be fed without consent or compensation into a program that is harmful is exhausting, but as all artists know, creating is compulsory, and authentic human creation will always be.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a visual artist, and I create original works using my chosen medium of colored pencils and ink, I enjoy working on wood equally as paper, and I often look for unusual shapes or frames to work with. My wood work is different from others because I use no pyrographic techniques, I work directly on the wood with only the colored pencils and waterproof archival ink. I have a very specific process in working with my pencils, and it takes a lot of patience!
My process and technique are what I’m the most proud of…it took many, many years of trial and error to reach where I am today with it.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I don’t really feel luck is part of where I am in my journey today. A lot of hard work, tears, doubt, and moving forward are the biggest factors in where I am with my business and my art career. Never give up, look at a tough situation from a different angle, and never doubt your intuition….
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dinkyinkedarts.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dinkyinked
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dinkyinked
