Inside the Studio: Amy Williams
Amy Williams, a landscape artist from the Algoma region, has a remarkable story that intertwines the beauty of Lake Superior, the challenges of motherhood, and the transformative power of art. Her work, characterized by vibrant colors and a unique stained-glass style, captures the essence of her surroundings while evoking deep emotional connections. Amy’s journey from being a school teacher and mother to becoming a full-time artist is one of resilience, joy, and unrelenting passion.
Read on to learn more in an exclusive interview with Amy Williams :
1. How does the natural beauty of the Algoma region and Lake Superior inspire your artwork?
Lake Superior is almost magical. There is something so special about its vastness, its crystal-clear waters, and its rugged terrain. I spend a lot of time on Lake Superior’s northern shore with my family and am in constant awe of its beauty. Canada’s Group of 7 painted much of Algoma, so to share the land with these icons is inspiration in and of itself.
2. Can you describe your transition from raising children to becoming a full-time artist and how it has influenced your creative process?
Before having my children, I was a school teacher, with every intention of returning to the classroom when our children all reached school age. However, after spontaneously conceiving triplets when we were trying for baby number two, and then COVID hitting when they were four years old, this plan went out the window. My art was born during the pandemic as a need for creative exploration and in hopes of contributing financially to our family of six. Our triplets were born prematurely, and we spent months in the NICU. One of our babies was quite sick for a number of years, and this overall experience is a great influence on my painting style. I only paint things that bring joy, happiness, and energy.
3. What themes or emotions do you aim to convey through your work, and how do you achieve this?
A lot of my pieces capture familiar landscapes within the Algoma region—places that people have visited and have fond memories of. My goal is to create an emotional connection between locals and traveler's alike by painting these scenes in a recognisable yet different way. I paint in a stained glass style, with bold lines and vibrant colors, which evoke happiness and delight.
4. How do you approach the process of creating your art, from initial inspiration to the final piece?
My process starts with an in-person visit. I love to be in a place that I intend to paint, to feel its essence and really get a sense of the area. I am often with my four children, and while painting en plein air definitely has its benefits, I am not at the stage of being able to spend hours at a painting location. Instead, I take many reference photos and revisit them in my studio. From here, I make a small pencil sketch. Once I am happy with the composition, I then sketch onto my canvas. I outline all of my shapes in black and then paint in acrylics the many different sections. Once all of the colors are blocked in, I redefine the black lines again and add small details.
5. Can you share a story or experience that significantly impacted your artistic journey?
When our triplet sons were born, our daughter was two years old. We had four children two and under. Four children in diapers. Four children needing to be fed. Four children desperate for my attention—including one with medical needs. Now, our daughter is 10 and our boys are 8. They are a lot more independent and are all healthy and happy. The experience of being their primary caregiver in those early years taught me multitasking, resiliency, and the meaning of devotion and sacrifice. Most of all, though, it taught me gratitude. Today, I take all of those things I learned and use them to create my art and run my business successfully.
6. How do you balance the solitude of your studio practice with community engagement and exhibitions?
While I enjoy my quiet studio time and crave the solitude, I equally enjoy meeting people, sharing my art and my story, and learning from others doing the same thing. I enjoy showing and selling my work in small and large settings, but I do limit these shows so that I can spend more time creating my best work.
7. What techniques and materials are essential in your landscape paintings?
I enjoy painting on gallery-depth canvases, cradled wood panels, and round wooden tondos. I primarily use acrylic paint and have worked my way up from academic grade to professional grade paint. I am not fussy about my big brushes but do like a good quality fine detail brush. I often use a hairdryer between layers of paint to help the drying time. Depending on the piece, I will paint my edges black or carry the image around the edges, extending the piece and eliminating the need for a frame.
8. What advice would you give to artists who are balancing family responsibilities with their creative aspirations?
Do what you can in the time that you can find. Focus on what style and medium make you happy and find little pockets of time to work on it. Start with a small piece and work your way to bigger pieces when your talent and time grow. Engage with your community online if you can’t make it out in person. Social media is a great way to connect to other artists in your area. Most of all, though, know that this time is fleeting. It won’t always be this difficult. Your children won’t always need you in the way that they need you now—so keep a little notebook of all your wonderful ideas that you might not be able to get to at this moment—you will soon enough.
Amy Williams’ art is a testament to the power of resilience, creativity, and love. Her vibrant landscapes not only capture the beauty of the Algoma region but also reflect her journey as a mother, teacher, and artist. Through her work, Amy invites us to find joy in the ordinary, to connect deeply with our surroundings, and to cherish the fleeting moments that make life beautiful.
You can learn more about Amy Williams and her work via these links: Instgram: @artbyamywilliams Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fineartbyamywilliams
Website: https://artbyamywilliams.com/
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