We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Amy Twomey. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Amy below.

Amy, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

My photography business began when I had my first child after getting my Masters in photography and painting from UW, Madison. I always knew I wanted to work from home so I could be hands on with my kids. This was all manageable and pretty easy until I had three kids, and found myself exhausted from photographing weddings every weekend and back to back shoots of screaming newborn babies and toddlers the following day. Something had to change. It was the same super-stress every-single-weekend. In my downtime my kids just wanted to play, and I always had thousands of wedding images to edit and keep up with and would be up until the wee hours of the morning barely sleeping. I was over the demands of weddings, and craved artistic fulfillment, I was totally burnt out, and that’s when I took the plunge, bravely turning down clients and projects that didn’t ignite my creative spark. It was a massive risk, but, it was exactly what I needed to do. I began focusing on what I truly loved, delving into high fashion shoots and vibrant, styled portraits that resonated with my soul. I rediscovered my love for photography, and now specialize in senior portraits and cultivated a niche with a fashion-forward aesthetic. I even have an “add on” option for the photoshoot to be styled by my amazing stylist friend Jill and owner of “I Am Clothes Minded Vintage” store. The shoots have become more of an “experience”—my clients are absolutely loving them! Now, I find myself booked solid for months in advance, having to turn down clients due to my busy schedule. It’s incredible how taking that leap of faith steered me back to my passion. But wait, there’s more! As if one artistic pursuit wasn’t enough, I recently got back into painting large contemporary canvases again, carving out time during the week to paint in my home studio. My next solo art show is at The Norman Brown Gallery at the Goldmark Cultural Center in Dallas this spring! I’m counting down the days till March 4th. Who would have thought that saying ‘no’ could lead to such wonderful ‘yeses’? Somehow I am perfectly juggling photography and painting and feel completely balanced.

Amy, 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’ve always been surrounded by creativity drawn to like-minded individuals who share that same passion. It’s like we were all destined to find each other! From grade school to college, art wasn’t just a choice for me; it was an undeniable calling that I couldn’t ignore. So, naturally, I found myself immersed in the world of art during my undergrad and graduate years. I spent one year at The School of The Art Institute of Chicago( I wasn’t prepared for the bone-chilling winter they had when I was there—coldest winter in 11 years). I ended up transferring to The University of New Mexico, where I fell in love with the landscape and culture of the Southwest.

But the journey didn’t stop there. I attended to The University of Wisconsin, Madison for graduate school. That’s where the real magic happened. I found my footing, delved deeper into my artistic self, and blossomed in ways I never imagined. One thing I’m incredibly proud of is my unwavering commitment to growth. I’m constantly experimenting with new creative endeavors, pushing the boundaries, and fearlessly diving into uncharted territories. Just yesterday, I ordered some gel-pads for printmaking, and I’ve already invited a friend over for an art jam session. We’re all eternal students, no matter our age. It’s never too late to pick up a new skill or dive into an unfamiliar medium. So, here’s to embracing the ever-evolving journey of creativity and soaking up every bit of knowledge and experience along the way!

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, making art is simply following my truth. There’s this indescribable joy that comes from pouring my emotions onto a canvas, weaving them into something visually captivating that others can connect with on a deep, personal level. And with photography, capturing the essence of someone through my lens, freezing a moment in time that showcases their authentic beauty is what it is all about. Witnessing newfound confidence in a client’s eyes when they see their photographs for the first time—well, that’s a feeling that’s tough to top.

When someone approaches me, admires my paintings, and wholeheartedly wants to bring one into their home. That moment, when they inquire about purchasing a piece to grace their walls forever, it’s like my soul does a little happy dance. The thought that my art resonates so deeply with another human being, enough for them to want it as a cherished part of their everyday life—that’s what keeps me doing what I do. It’s these small yet profound connections through art that fuel my passion and remind me why I make art.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I want to share a story with you, one that’s deeply personal yet filled with resilience and gratitude. It was back in April 2018 when I received the life-altering news that I had an incurable form of Lymphoma everywhere in my lymph nodes. Let me tell you, when you’re hit with the reality that there’s no easy fix, no simple cure, just treatments that might offer temporary relief, it’s a lot to take in. It reshapes your perspective on life, rattles the very core of your existence. Suddenly, every moment, every laugh, every embrace becomes more precious than ever before.

But you know what? Despite the uncertainty, I find solace in the simple things, the everyday moments that often go unnoticed. On the tough days, I remind myself of the sheer blessing it is to be here, surrounded by my loved ones, my cherished friends, and my amazing clients. Sure, there might be a storm brewing on the horizon, but for now, I’m here, living each day with a fierce determination to make the most of every fleeting second.

My family is a constant source of light and joy, their unwavering support making each step of this journey a little more bearable. My adult children two who no longer live at home, call me daily. I feel so lucky to have this kind of relationship with all three of my kids. I want to be a role model for my kids, to show them that even in the face of adversity, we can find joy, we can find laughter, and we can navigate through the darkest of times. That’s why I pour my heart into my art, why I seek out those who can make me laugh, and why I push myself to keep striving for more.

I refuse to let Cancer dim my spirit or halt my dreams. I have big plans for the future, and nothing is going to stand in my way. I hold onto the hope of eventually returning to the peaceful embrace of the Southwest, where life moves a little slower, and simplicity is the way of life. At the end of the day, despite our numbered days, it’s about embracing every bit of life with open arms, making every moment count and leaving behind beautiful things.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.amytwomey.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amytwomeystudio/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amytwomeystudio/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-twomey-a324a1299/?trk=public-profile-badge-profile-badge-view-profile-cta
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuKXDYCoLuA9-QIVkAV_J3g