Amy Shamansky

My art process is one of exploration and intuition. Using line, color, and shape, I play until something appears that captures my interest. I develop this emergent image in relationship to the background. If the dance is successful, the image stays. If not, exploration resumes. Sometimes I will "impose" an image on an abstract underpainting, but again, the image only stays if it integrates successfully with its surroundings. The relationship between image and background is very important to me. It helps me explore the ideas of being seen, worth, belonging, and individuality. Color helps me express this vibrant interaction while revealing the beauty of it all.

I was born in Lancaster, Ohio in the U.S. I earned a B.S. in Zoology from Michigan State University, an M.A. in Education from California State University, San Bernardino, and hold various teaching credentials/certifications. My art education came primarily from The Art Academy of San Diego in California from 2001-2017. I studied watercolor with Damon Hitchcock and abstract painting in acrylic with Reed Cardwell and Stephen Curry. I recently moved to Spain and now study with Isabel Gil at La Barba Blanca in Gijón.

SOLO EXHIBITIONS:
Encinitas Library; Encinitas, CA: 2017
Dove Library; Carlsbad, CA: 2014, 2015
Zanzibar; Pacific Beach, CA: 2008-2009
Studio A Salon (East Village Stroll); San Diego, CA: 2007
Hot Java Café; San Diego, CA: 2005
Playa Gallery; San Diego, CA: 2004-2005

SELECTED GROUP EXHIBITIONS:
Arts Alive Banner Display/Auction; Encinitas, CA: 2017
Associated Realtors (East Village Stroll); San Diego, CA: 2008
San Diego Art Institute; San Diego, CA: 2007-2008
Moto Villas; San Diego, CA: 2007
Simayspace Gallery; San Diego, CA: 2005-2008
ArtWalk; San Diego, CA: 2005
Art Academy; San Diego, CA: 2004-2006
Gaslamp Quarter Banner Exhibition/Auction; San Diego, CA: 2004-2005
Presto Cheese Festival (Chalk La Strada); San Diego, CA: 2002-2006
San Diego Watercolor Society; San Diego, CA: 2002-2003

AWARDS:
San Diego Watercolor Society
Juror’s Commendation: “Giraffe”, 2003