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

Hi Amy, thanks for joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

When I was a small child I was always drawing. Whether on a chalkboard or paper and crayon, I would be drawing animals, fantasy creatures, and even Disney characters. It was an escape for me, and a way to let my imagination run wild with no restrictions. I remember being asked when I was about 8 or 9 what I wanted to be when I grew up and I said without hesitation, “an artist!”. It wasn’t until I was much older that I pursued that notion. Despite challenges from life, I’m glad I never let go of it.

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

So, a little about myself. I’m a visual artist who lives in a little village just outside of Nashville, TN called Old Hickory. It’s right on Old Hickory lake, so inspiration from nature for me is everywhere. Kayaking on the lake with my spouse has become my favorite way to wildlife watch. We see everything from deer to muskrat, raccoon to fox, even the occasional water snake. Birds of prey like osprey, red shouldered hawk, and bald eagle are common sights. Water fowl such as belted kingfisher, common loon, and wood ducks, shore birds, and songbirds are plentiful for observation. Our property attracts a variety of wildlife, too. Fox, opossum, wild turkey, whitetail deer, and coyote are frequent visitors. As you can tell, I have inspiration for my art all around me.

As well as nature and wildlife, I am also inspired by the “darker” side of those beautiful creatures. Dead and decaying things intrigue me, and it’s often reflected in my work through skulls, fungi, and symbols of death and rebirth. I am an animist pagan and my path brings unique ways to see the subjects I choose. My beliefs hold that every creature and object, waterway and land have spirit and energy that not only connect us all, but gives each a unique life. Because of this, I strive to reflect that in ny works.

It wasn’t until 2014 that I decided to become serious about pursuing being an artist who travels and vends with various conventions and expos. I had participated in a few local pop ups and shows, and I enjoyed it so much I decided that’s what I wanted to do, and hopefully have that become my sole, full time income. I’m extremely fortunate to be a traveling artist with Oddities & Curiosities Expo, CreepyCon, Punk Rock Flea Markets, abd local events of Nashville Pagan Pride and Nashville Curiosities Collective. My work can be found exclusively consigned with Aurora Gallery and Boutique in Louisville, KY, something to which I am very proud of.

My work can best be described as dark art, rooted in mythos and pagan symbolism. Although my subjects can be serious, I do enjoy creating whimsical or downright silly art as well. After all, humor is a universal language!
Although I originally started as a painter using acrylics, my medium has changed to colored pencil and ink, and my canvas preference has changed from duck canvas to wood. I feel I have found my niche, and I couldn’t be happier.

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

I think one of the best things society can do to support artist of all disciplines is understand that what we do takes years of practice, hard work, trial and error, as well as a lot of learning, research, and taking chances no normal person would do. We may have a propensity to excel at our chosen medium, but it’s something that has to be honed. Honoring that and keeping that in mind when hiring or purchasing from artists is truly the best way to support us.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Truly the most rewarding aspect is seeing the joy on someone’s face when they find that perfect piece of art and they connect to it. That’s one of the biggest reasons why I create…to bring joy to another.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.dinkyinkedarts.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/dinkyinked
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/dinkyinked
• Other: TikTok. @dinkyinked Threads. @dinkyinked