We recently connected with Amber Bambler and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Amber, thanks for joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

The most meaningful project for me is a combination of two series: Water Therapy and Expressions.

2017 was a very challenging time; I was sexually harassed with no repercussions, lost a friend to a drunk driver, had a huge falling out with my best friend who is now diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder, and the biggest heartbreaker: my boyfriend at the time disappeared on me in the middle of a painful miscarriage. (This is why I now facetiously call 2017 “Amber Bambler and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Year”.)

I tried to keep myself going in certain ways, though artistically I shut down. In the depth of my victim story, I lost all inspiration, all urge to create, to dream, to even care about my world,

In early 2018 I was accepted into a project where artists were gifted sensory deprivation floats in exchange for producing inspired art to be displayed in a collective show. This was the birth of my Water Therapy series. I researched the healing effects of water and became fascinated by how watercolor dances with itself. It has its own mind yet doesn’t resist when being guided. It became a consistent learning experience and a reflection of my life. Each piece within this series is intentionally titled based off of my learnings from articles and song lyrics.

It was through this process that I began my Expressions, all of which were embodiments of various emotions, starting specifically with anything grief-related. You can see how the technique of the Therapy works play into the Expressions and, at a certain point, vice versa.

The production of these pieces gave me an opportunity to heal as the series has expanded. Looking back, I can see the progression from dark to light and it’s a fascinating study of having that duality in life.

Amber, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I grew up in a tiny town in the middle of Nebraska. I felt odd and different, though I’m not sure whether that was innate or a product of bullying in school coupled with the restrictive, shame-filled nature of my family. My parents both grew up in large Catholic farm families and I struggled with what they felt was true or right. Creativity gave me an outlet to express my emotions that weren’t allowed in many places elsewhere. I didn’t have many friends and my parents weren’t around much, so I spent a lot of time by myself; art, music and poetry saved me.

After being told (from every angle) that I wouldn’t succeed in building a life as a creative, I went into graphic design. While working in the industry, it didn’t take long for me to realize that medium, on its own, was not enough of an outlet, so I set out on a mission of fulfillment.

In 2009, I sold most of my belongings, packed up my car with my art supplies and traveled around the Western half of the United States. I stayed with friends, family, in hostels, and campgrounds. I read, wrote, drew, painted, cried, laughed, connected with strangers, went to art museums, shows, and exponentially grew my list of Firsts. I say this was when I was born, when I truly began living.

Since then I have been producing personal visual art, commissioned murals, costumes and art/design for musicians (i.e, album artwork and posters). Recently I started assembling a poetry and art book for publication, recording a podcast called “Waking Up on the Right Side of the Brain”, illustrating a series of my celebrity dreams, and earlier this year I directed and co-produced a music video series called “New Hymns for Old Sinners” for Benjamin Charles Freeman.

I’ve been told that I have my hands in too many things, that the outside world will be puzzled as to what kind of work I do. I still believe that each genre of work contributes to the others and expands my creativity. At some point, maybe I will find a path and stick to it. Maybe I won’t. All I know right now is: I want to live life to the fullest and try everything- constant expansion.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative, beyond my own personal growth, is watching the inspiration that it sparks in others. Being able to experience someone connecting emotionally with my art, bringing heart and ideas alive through commissioned pieces, or looking at something from a new perspective is truly a gift. All I’ve ever wanted is to expand peoples’ minds and that has grown into encouraging them to live life in color.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

There are many things that I have read, watched and listened to that have contributed to who I am as an artist entrepreneur. One thing in particular that has been significantly impactful in my life over the last year is being a part of a leadership program called NextLevel Trainings. With a combination of neuroscience, emotional intelligence tools and a personal strategic plan, I’ve learned communication skills, structure and organization, along with self-worth, responsibility, tenacity, and of course risk: one of the biggest elements of being an entrepreneur. If you’d like to personally hear more about this program, e-mail me at [email protected].

Contact Info:

• Website: www.amberbambler.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/amberbambler
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amberbambler
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amberbambler/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/amberbambler
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/amberbambler

Image Credits
Little Monsters costume photo by BlackSheep Photography