Red Birch Painting

I've never felt complete without a little evidence of paint under my fingernails; evidence of the heaving of layers upon layers of wax, plaster, paint, and emotion - something I have difficulty containing. "‹ï»¿ Much of my materials are scraped, scratched, wiped clean and the process begins again. The bold of use of colour is often hidden among the layers of wax and thick impasto of black or white - this colour often takes on juxtaposing textures; either thickly dragged or dripped loosely across the canvas. This bold use of texture originates from my primary training as a sculpture working with plaster, wax, and clay. I have always felt that I do not actually create my work, but rather I feel it. The tactility, the physicality of paint, plaster and wax often take on a life of their own.  My main inspiration is my emotional connection to history, nostalgia and the environment. As an art teacher I have the privilege of witnessing the growth of creativity every day. Much of my technical and material inspiration evolves from the exploration that happens in classes with my students. Their handling of materials is pure and unbiased - I find this approach to be the most sincere form of expression.  Environmental photography is also an important inspiration; sometimes just a detail, a line, a shape will spark a series of works; Simple landscapes including water, land, and sky; reflecting the days floating in a canoe in Algonquin Park, or a view of Lake Muskoka from a dock.  Amy's artwork has been sold for charity auctions in 2011 & 2012 at Arta Gallery in Toronto's Historic Distillery District. Her work as also been featured most recently in a Brookstone commercial. "‹