Finding Tranquility with Amy Sol June 12 2022

Amy Sol is a US-based painter and sculptor. She has exhibited internationally over the span of a decade, participating regularly in solo gallery exhibitions and art fairs. Her narrative works are an exploration of the beauty of nature, companionship, and human pathos. The muted palettes, gentle body language, and fluid lines presented in all of her works are intended to express a centeredness of calm and tranquility, blending the natural world and the subconscious. Primarily self taught, she has developed a distinct visual language shaped by her love of classical animation, folk art, and mythology.

Interview by Viet-My Bui. Photos supplied by Amy Sol.

We are so excited to be welcoming you to the gallery, Amy! Tell us the about your upcoming solo exhibit The Mending: what was the inspiration behind the works and what was the preparation process like?

This was my first batch of paintings after having taken some time away from painting in 2021. With this small series of works I wanted to explore some of the things I've had floating in my mind over the course of that time. There's a focus on finding calm and healing before embarking on a new journey from within in all of the works. Each piece started from a black and white study. I incorporated most of the color later while painting, reflecting the mood of that moment.

What are your earliest memories of creativity? Do you come from a creative family? 

I've made art since as early as I can remember. For me it was my most comfortable and natural form of expression and play. I was fortunate to have parents who, though not artists themselves, allowed me some space and freedom to create.

What is the most challenging aspect of your creative process?

There are always challenges that come with bringing an idea to fruition. These are usually fun to work through and I never mind them as it is just part of the process. I find the biggest challenge is sometimes in just being able to start, if there are other life obstacles such as health or life changes outside of art making which interfere. I experienced this a bit last year, and it's only made me appreciate the painting process more deeply.

What rituals and routines do you need in place before making art?

I like to work in isolation but it isn't always possible. So I like to create a sort of imaginary bubble for myself when working, a space or area of solitude. I prepare a queue of audio books and music while I work to help immerse myself in that bubble environment.

Your pieces have a surreal, dreamlike quality. Do your own dreams feed into your works?

Absolutely. Every painting is conceived in a sort of daydream state. I’ll often source imagery and sometimes animals and objects from dreams as well.

The characters in your artworks often seem in repose; finding a moment of peace, suspended in time. Do you create these expressions as an escape for yourself or to explore your interior world?

The characters themselves are often in a state of somewhere between awake and asleep. The scenery around them with plants or beings, even the color palette, often ties into what is happening internally.

You adopted a sweet puppy last year! How has life with Boba been? Have you always had animal companions? And how has that informed your art practice? (I’ve very recently adopted a kitten and she is my first ever pet! The love I have for her is profound!)

Yes, I understand the profoundly vast love and bond felt for an animal companion. After my sweet dog of 19 years passed in 2020, I went a period of time without a fur companion. Then Boba showed up in my life very unexpectedly. I call her my little heart healer because that's exactly what she did for me and continues to do. I feel that my pets, both past and present have always played a role in my artworks.

Why do you create art? And what do you hope viewers experience when viewing your work?

Making art has been a natural outlet of expression from as early as I can remember. It is like a communication tether for me, and a tether to my own self and the world in a sense. Oftentimes, I try to leave my work open for interpretation. It's more an exploration of feeling which can be malleable. When I make art, I’m always searching for imagery that reflects a sense of healing and connectedness with nature and I hope some of that comes through.

What concepts, mediums or methods do you want to explore in your future work?

I’d like to continue exploring painting and sculpture, with a focus on expanding the narrative of characters and environments that recur within my works.

Thank you for your time, Amy. We are thrilled to have your pieces in the gallery.