We recently connected with AMY SMITH and have shared our conversation below.

AMY, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s start with the decision of whether to donate a percentage of sales to an organization or cause – we’d love to hear the backstory of how you thought through this.

Donating a percentage of my sales to different organizations I believe in is an important part of being an artist for me. I see it as my way to use my privilege to give back and support others.

I recently donated a NFT art sale (part of the METAPride Campaign) to Outright Intl. Another interesting way to give back through cryptocurrency.

I have incorporated this concept of giving back or working with organizations that give back for years. But right now I have work being shown in Napa Valley and I have a percentage of sales going towards the Unique Women’s Coalition dedicated to the needs of black trans culture.

I was asked to participate in a group gallery show at Wallspace LA in West Hollywood, Ca. As an ally I created a beautiful mixed media mural of Marsha P Johnson with limited edition prints. With a percentage of sales going back to the same charity. These real life connections and opportunities to connect with different groups of people is the real gift.

Connection is the ultimate goal. It allows our knowledge of others to expand therefore our inclusion. As artists we have opportunities to work towards a better future for us all.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m a self-taught mixed media artist. I moved to Los Angeles and began learning Photoshop. That tool changed my life. I was always interested in drawing but the idea of being able to create something digitally with an undo button really helped me explore new ways to create. My friends and I created an artist collective and we began showing our work in various shows around town. I found a mentor and started to take my work more seriously. After a few years I decided to leave my freelance job in the entertainment industry and focus on art full-time.

As a mixed media artist I do focus on environmental, social, and political works that challenge the status quo. I think art can be used to create conversation. These conversations are important. I love creating vibrant work that draws the viewer in. You will see much more detail, purpose, and intention that tells a story.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

I have a couple goals when making art. Self exploration, unlearning, and using my gifts to connect to others. These intentions inform my collections. As a self-taught artist I explore many mediums. Each having a particular goal in mind but ultimately with an underlying theme related to political, environmental, or societal commentary.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on NFTs. (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice

I wanted to learn about NFT art and the tools created around them. I spent a lot of time in the beginning learning about them. I love that communities are coming together to support nonprofits and giving back. It’s still early in the space. I’m still very interested in seeing what’s going to happen in the future with cryptocurrency.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.amysmith.art
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amysmithart/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artbyamysmith
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/amysmithartist1