We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Amadi Williams a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Amadi, thanks for joining us today. Looking back on your career, have you ever worked with a great leader or boss? We’d love to hear about the experience and what you think made them such a great leader.

Over the past two years I’ve worked as an Objects Conservation Fellow at the Rhode Island School of Design Museum. During that time I had the privilege of working under Ingrid Neuman, who profoundly changed my perspective on art and its preservation. She encouraged me to consider the care that artists must take in their work, especially regarding how a piece will endure over time, whether in storage or on display.

Ingrid highlighted the importance of well-stretched canvases and materials, prompting me to recognize the ways that art education often overlooks these critical aspects of an artwork’s longevity. Her insights helped me understand the material hierarchy instilled in painting students, as well as the vital role conservators play in preserving artists’ stories, images, and legacies.

Through her passion for conservation, I realized the impact I could have in the museum world beyond my painting practice. While working with her I was able to work closely with revered artworks not only deepened my appreciation for art but also equipped me with invaluable skills and a nuanced understanding of color and materials that art classes don’t often include. I am truly grateful for the opportunities Ingrid provided, as they have significantly influenced my vision for my artistic future and career path.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Amadi Williams, and I was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. As a multidisciplinary artist, I aim to historicize my family and friends while exploring the complexities of Blackness, family, and color. Living with a memory disorder and having a family history of dementia and Alzheimer’s makes it challenging for me to recall memories without images and stories. When I begin a painting, I often call my grandmother to share stories about the people I’m portraying, helping me to contextualize them within the space I create.

Through my personal archives and online resources, I explore storytelling while focusing on overlooked and underrepresented groups, experimenting with various mediums along the way. As I work through these ideas, I am also expanding my understanding of what the art world has to offer by pursuing roles such as a conservation fellow and curator.

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

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the opportunity to elevate voices that look like mine in conversations within art spaces, as well as the joy of having family members recognize moments and memories in the abstracted spaces I create. It’s also incredibly fulfilling to realize the dreams of my 8-year-old self, who envisioned her work in museums and galleries—and now, I’ve made that a reality. I didn’t initially picture this as what being an artist would look like, which led me to doubt my own success. However, over the past year, I’ve embraced more opportunities and sold more work than I could have ever hoped for, which feels like a tremendous achievement.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

During my time at RISD, I have faced consistent questioning from both teachers and students. I’ve been told that my work “isn’t marketable” and labeled by peers as the “worst painter in the department.” While those moments were frustrating and disappointing, they reminded me of the true reason I came to art school: it wasn’t about conforming to predefined molds or developing a signature style, but rather about exploring diverse ways of creating. I make art that I’m proud of—art that brings joy to both myself and my family. I’ve learned that I can’t control what others say or how they challenge my presence here, but ultimately, the only person I aim to impress is that 8-year-old girl who wondered, “Why not give art a try?” And I believe I’ve done a pretty damn good job of that.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.amadiwilliams.com
• Instagram: amadi13
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amadi-williams-52987118b/