We were lucky to catch up with Amber Staedtler recently and have shared our conversation below.

Amber, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you tell us about a time that your work has been misunderstood? Why do you think it happened and did any interesting insights emerge from the experience?

My design work has always been clear and easily understood, even when it’s hand-drawn. It’s accessible and recognizable to nearly everyone, which I take pride in. However, my paintings—those I create from a deeply emotional place—often don’t carry the same immediate clarity. These pieces are abstract and are sometimes misunderstood.

I’ve found that some struggle to grasp the intention behind my paintings, especially when they don’t fit into recognizable or popular styles. I often feel a tension between creating for clarity and function versus creating for personal expression and emotional depth. It can be hard for people to see the value in something that doesn’t fit into a mainstream definition of art, and I understand that. I’ve been told that my work can feel uncomfortable, almost chaotic, but I think that’s what art is supposed to do. I’ve been confused for somber and dark when that couldn’t be further from the truth. I’m simply sharing that I can heal and love through my art. While some people may misunderstand me, misunderstanding my work is allowed. Everyone has their own reaction and interpretation of art. If they see something I don’t, then they’re paying attention.

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 consider myself an abstract, intuitive, expressionist artist inspired by the female existence. I use form, color and movement to express the love, loss and pain of my journey as a woman, mother, friend and lover. Every piece I create captures a moment of my time, of my poetry and my story. All fleeting: often never to be seen or heard from again. 

When I’m not in the studio painting, I work as an educator while continuing my 17 year journey as a designer in fashion, marketing and book publishing. (Also rockin’ that beautiful, adventurous mom of twins thing)

I’ve recently started a collaborative painting initiative called “Collective Canvas” where I bring my skillset to the event space. In this I connect with community and business to create a beautiful, permanent piece of abstract art created by guests and loved one. It’s a beautiful way to commemorate a milestone moment while encouraging folks to explore their creative side without fear.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

First, I’d like all non-creatives to understand that creativity isn’t reserved for a select few—it’s something everyone can tap into if they’re open to it. Creativity isn’t exclusive to me or my peers. It’s a universal potential.

Something I would like all non-creatives to realize is that all art and all artists are different. We create for a variety of reasons. While there’s no right or wrong reason to create, not all of us are driven by the desire to brand ourselves or push out work in high numbers. We’re not all striving for fame or aiming to promote our work on every product and platform imaginable. Not every invitation is an opportunity and not all exposure is good exposure. For some of us, earning money from our art is a bonus, not the goal.

When people ask, “How long did that take?” or “How much did you make from that?” they miss the point for some art entirely. The value of a piece isn’t determined by how much time or money was involved. Some, like me, create from a place of emotion and energy. Sometimes it takes days, sometimes weeks to finish a piece—and our talent isn’t measured by how quickly we can complete it.

It can be discouraging when everyone seems to want to make a business out of us. Allow us to just make a cool thing, or a couple cool things without the mindset of how to mass produce it and get rich quick. I’m all for making money like everyone else, but my work falls flat when I create for anything other than self expression and sharing my story.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Like many, I’ve faced my share of heartbreak and struggle. But with each challenge, I’ve learned to bounce back—often a little wiser, sometimes a little braver.

Three years ago, I suffered a life-changing injury. A fall from a ladder left me with a broken back, and in an instant, my world flipped. I went from being healthy and energetic to paralyzed and terrified. Weeks in the hospital turned into weeks at home with nurses and therapists.

I was deeply grateful for the doctors and modern medicine, and moved by the outpouring of support from friends and family. But despite all the help around me, I couldn’t create. Not the way I once did. My art was my therapy and I felt lost without it. My body, which had always been my ally in my work, was no longer cooperating. I needed it to work with me, but it wasn’t. And worst of all, my children, who needed my strength as their mother, were now worried about me. I felt like I had lost everything.

I canceled exhibits, projects, and travel plans. I fell into a dark place for a while, convinced that my ability—and my desire—to create was gone.

But slowly, as I always do, I began to bounce back. I started painting again, just on a smaller scale. I learned how to create from my chair. I rediscovered my body’s incredible ability to heal and move again. It was something I had taken for granted, but I wasn’t going to forget it this time. Now, it feels like a lifetime ago. At times I almost forget about it (until its raining and all this hardware starts bugging me)
I am back to painting large scale again, exhibiting my work and living my life. Yes, I do things a little differently, and a little slower but I’m still here. My art is still here. My children are still here. I call that a win.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.amberstetler.com
• Instagram: amber_stetler
• Facebook: Sketchbook: Art by Amber Staedtler
• Linkedin: Amber Nichole Staedtler
• Other: 2 additional IG accounts

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Image Credits

Amber Staedtler
Nate Fochtman