We recently connected with Amy Laskin and have shared our conversation below.

Amy, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I knew I wanted to pursue a career as an artist at a young age. My mother was a creative soul in her own right and she recognized the impulse was within me before I was five years old. She had wanted to be an actress but just as she received a call back for an audition, she learned she was pregnant; her own ambitions were then immediately stifled. She sought to foster my creative leanings though, and enrolled me for classes at The Philadelphia Museum of Art by age seven. But this class was filled with adults! I’m not sure how she swung that but I imagine she knew the teacher. It was intimidating to be among a class of adults at my age, but nevertheless a great experience. After classes, I usually wandered around the hallowed halls and vast collections in the museum and familiarized myself with all the great artists both past and present. I think my ambitions started growing from this point, and I continued my classes there until I reached college age. I received a Bachelor of Fine Art (BFA) and went on to pursue my masters degree ( MFA ) right after graduation. By this age my ambitions to pursue a career path in art was firmly cemented.

Amy, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am an artist who primarily uses oil paint on canvas/linen to depict surrealistic constructs of my imagination. I have also created sculptural works in clay but for over 35 years my main focus has been painting. I was born in Philadelphia , received my MFA at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago but a contract as a US Peace Corps Volunteer brought me to the shores of Jamaica. When I completed my contract, I rented a studio 3,400 ft. above sea level in the rural Blue Mountains to continue my practice. The rolling hills, verdant terrain and quiet seclusion provide stimulation for my imagination. I have worked assiduously to find my own voice within my field, making my paintings a unique reflection of my personal vision. Being influenced by my surroundings I find a deep connection with the natural world and amalgamate human made objects of my passions and interests. Many of the works amalgamate a fantastical female form, colorful floral bursts, snippets of clothing, and the ambient surroundings thus creating a new framework and new contexts for the images. I’d like to impart my viewers with an appreciation of nature’s wondrous mysteries, a sense of harmony and an expanded view of the intersection of human-kind and mother nature. My work also involves traditional female imagery with historic clothing which brings ones focus to our past, our present and our blended identities.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

In my view, I think society at large should try to get involved as much as possible in the arts. Go to local art exhibitions, fairs or museums; look at the work without judgement. Overtime through experience, ones knowledge and comprehension will expand. Frequent and support local theater groups and concerts. Immerse in as much creative activity as one can. In addition buy art that one likes without fear. There is a lot of art out there that is very affordable and one doesn’t need someone else to tell them what is good or what they should like. Personal taste is fluid; it will develop and be cultivated over time the more one is exposed.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the sheer process of doing it and making it. Creating in itself whether joyful or cathartic, is a reward in itself. Learning new technical skills and honing in on your craft in combination with stretching the limits of your imagination gives oneself a feeling of satisfaction. It is challenging; it teaches you to think outside of the box and can raise your self esteem. There is nothing more rewarding than when you work hard for extended periods of time, on projects of your own making and conception and you feel the fruits of your labor was successful. The idea being it will translate to your viewer and you can effect change on a person or society. Some art can be healing, some can challenge the status quo, change opinions or raise awareness. Successful art can be impactful.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.amyclaskin.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amylaskin_
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amy.laskin.1
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/laskinamy

Image Credits
Photographs by Franz Marzouka