Amber Maida

AMBER MAIDA ARTIST STATEMENT



My work begins with a spiritual ritual of Chi-cultivation, grounding me deeply into the earth; embodying its energy and guiding my hands like a dance, while simultaneously building the story that connects with the practices of my Native American ancestors. This symbiotic connection with my heritage charges the canvas with positive energy, preserving a storied past. Extensive travel throughout America continues to provide deep inspiration; embedding elements of nature that enrich the layered textural quality and symbolic language of my work. Gathered found objects are fused with paint becoming a visual journal, that honor my materials and my message.

In 2010 I sustained major lung surgery, which invited a greater awareness of time, life, love and gratitude. This experience led me to create new collections of mixed media paintings and sculptures based on the intense process of healing. This led me to Southern California to rebuild my strength while exploring the west coast. My work, using found materials from both environments on opposite sides of the country became deep and unified. For example, 150-year-old skeleton keys found under the stairwell of my Connecticut home were combined with den...

SELECTED EXHIBITIONS
2015
“The Silver Lining,” Solo Exhibit- Serendipity Gallery, Litchfield, CT
Juried Group Annual exhibit- Honorable Mention, Roxbury Meeting House, Roxbury, CT
“All You Can Eat,” Group exhibit- Bunny Gunner Gallery, Claremont, CA
Group exhibit- Art Cube Gallery, Laguna Beach, CA
Solo Exhibit- Stepping Stones Gallery, Torrington, CT

2014
Solo exhibit- Art Cube Gallery, Laguna Beach, CA
Franklin Arts Center- Group Exhibit, Brainerd, MN

2013
“Habitat” Franklin Arts Center, Brainerd, MN
LA Artcore Gallery, 3-Person exhibit, Los Angeles, CA
“Enchanted Afterlife,” Art Cube Gallery, Laguna Beach, CA
Nest Gallery, Bridgeport, CT
Franklin Arts Center- Resident Artists Gallery, group exhibition, Brainerd, MN
Art Cube Gallery, Group exhibitions, Laguna Beach, CA
2012
“Transcription,” Rockwell Art Galleries, Ridgefield, CT
“Destruction, Reconstruction,” StudioGallery, Irvine, CA
2011
StudioGallery, Irvine, CA
2010
“Labyrinth” Solo Exhibit- The Gallery at Black Rock, Bridgeport CT
“Combining Grace” The Station Gallery, Tribeca NYC
“Industrial Strength,” Bridgeport CT
“Heart for Haiti” Rockwell Gallery, Fairfield CT
2009
“Carlsbad Art District Honors Show,” Carlsbad, CA
“Art to the Avenue” ...