Amy Stone

Birmingham, Alabama

How did you get your start in Art?

I didn't start painting and producing fine art until about three years ago. I've always been artistic, though, I grew up dancing and singing and writing. At university, I was an English major but was introduced to fine art education through one of my favorite professors as well as my baroque art studies abroad in Italy. Right after I graduated, I started working for a small publishing company as an assistant and got promoted to a prop stylist position within that company. About three years ago, I quit my full-time job to pursue a freelance career as a prop stylist for food magazines. Somewhere along the way, I picked up a paintbrush and here I am. It's always been natural, like an extension of myself. My painting and sense of composition are influenced by my love of dance, movement, literature, and styling.

How would you describe your artistic style?

I'd have to say my style is some form of abstract expressionism.

Where do you draw artistic inspiration?

I'm inspired by a story. I've always been a reader, a learner, and relational, so my natural place for inspiration is a story, whether that's the people around me, the city around me, or the book I'm reading. I've recently been inspired by film and score, thanks to my film loving husband.

What was the first artwork you ever sold?

I sold my first piece through Instagram! It was a figure I had done right when I first started painting, and I posted it on Instagram (as one does). It was a special piece to me. I was so honored someone else saw beauty in it, too.

On memorable projects:

Honestly, the one that sticks out in my mind as my most fun piece "Show Up"...it was the first time I'd worked on a larger scale before, and that piece was transformative for me. Everything about that piece felt right. There's an arc to every piece for me; I usually hate it for a while before it starts feeling like what I want it to feel like. But that piece was so fun, and it was a breath of fresh air. It just felt right.

What has been the most memorable response to your work?

One of the most memorable responses was a lady who'd seen my work at a show. She kept coming back to events and looking at this one piece of mine. She finally bought it because she couldn't stop thinking about the piece. To see other people moved by my work is such a gift to me as an artist.

What are some of the challenges you face as an artist?

My greatest challenge and critic is my inner monolog. Learning to show up and work hard, to be vulnerable with the canvas, even when my inner critic says otherwise, is essential to my work. It's hard work to show up and face yourself every day. I count it as a tremendous privilege as well as a tremendous challenge.

 Who is your favorite artist?

Picking a favorite is hard. So many artists that inspire me, but I'll give you my first favorite and then my most current favorite. The first piece of art that ever really moved me was "The Dance" by Matisse. My current favorite is Helen Frankenthaler. I love her work, and I find myself coming back to it.

On upcoming projects:

I'm currently working on a series based on home. My husband and I are buying our first home and are pregnant our first child, and I've loved thinking about the functionality of family and those little moments in childhood that are formative. I've been doing a lot of writing and work to start preparing for these pieces, and I'm excited to see where they take me.

What would be your dream project?

A mural in my neighborhood! I love the concept of public artwork and beautifying a city, beautifying the everyday. I love my community and want to find ways to give back to it. I'm working on making that a reality someday!

What quote or mantra do you live your life by?

"Ring the bells that still can ring / forget your perfect offering / there is a crack in everything / that's how the light gets in" Leonard Cohen

For more information on this artist, please visit AmyHStone.com and follow on social media at @amyhstone