Camping by the River

Artist Statement

My earliest connection with the natural world was through childhood play. Growing up in the bush in the 1970s did not involve toys. The only toys I recall were a Tonka truck (which I loved!), some Lego and a neglected Barbie doll. I felt in no way deprived. We filled our days playing in the dirt. My paintings are tapping into those feelings and memories. In recent years my work has become increasingly abstract, but to me the landscape is still there.

It is my belief that the directness of this simple childhood and our daily engagement with nature laid the foundations of me being an artist. We were always making. To me painting is part play.

I tend to work quickly and without a plan. It’s an intuitive process that grapples with colour, movement and form. A painting is complete when it can balance these things to create a feeling.

Exhibitions

Amy’s work can be found in collections around Australia including the Sunshine Coast University Hospital and St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney.

She has exhibited around the country in solo and group shows including Michael Reid Northern Beaches, CoolArt, Walcha Gallery of Art, Depot Gallery in Sydney, Noosa Regional Gallery, University of Sunshine Coast Art Gallery and Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery. She received a Commended in the Norvill Prize (2011/2012) and was a finalist in the Lethbridge 10 000 Art Prize (2013) and Redland Art Prize (2012).

Camping by the River