Amy shackleton - five questions
1 - Could you explain your practice? Only you know why you do what you do.
I’ve become known as the “Gravity Artist”...but I like to describe myself as a drip painter, with a twist. I use squeeze bottles filled with liquid acrylic paint to build each painting from the ground up with hundreds of lines and dots. I rotate my canvas to direct the flow of paint and use a level to help predict where each drip will fall. To create more organic effects, I use a water spritzer. The architectural aspects are highly controlled while the natural elements embody the spontaneous liquid impulse.
For years now, I’ve aimed to create paintings that portray an optimistic future where nature and the city coexist in harmony. Despite my intentions, some people would look at my work and see the opposite—an apocalyptic world, void of people and traffic. A place where nature has gone too far. Hearing everyone’s unique interpretations has started to push my work in the other direction. Forests are burning, lands are flooding and glaciers are melting. We need to have these important conversations about our future and understand the urgency of climate change.
2 - Is art relevant today?
Of course it is! Art is a powerful force in society. It builds bridges, triggers important conversations and inspires people to act. I am a quiet person... but my art has a loud voice. My paintings have touched millions of people around the world.
As a result of Covid-19, people are spending more time at home, investing in and beautifying their spaces. Collectors are purchasing work without the expectation to view it in person. Despite all the travel restrictions in place, art can still be shipped and enjoyed all around the world. Art heals, and as we navigate our way through this global pandemic, art is more important than ever.
3 – We are always asked what other artists influence us, we what to know what art you don’t like, as well as what you do like?
4 - If you could go back 10-20 years What would you tell your younger self?
I would tell my younger self:
– Being a successful artist is a marathon, not a sprint. Take small steps to build your career. – Find time to devote to your practice and discover your niche. – Be confident and believe in your work.
– Do everything in your power to get your work out of your studio and into a space where it can be seen by others.
– When you enter the art world, don't be afraid of rejection. You are going to hear it again and again, so you have to be strong and have a thick skin.
– Don’t worry about making the “wrong” choice at any given time. There is no right and wrong path and you can always change your mind down the road.
– Don't forget to take risks with your technique and leave your comfort zone, you may be surprised what you come up with.
– Create something unique that you enjoy and are passionate about. – As a self-employed artist, you can’t rely on others to do things for you. If you want something, make it happen.
– Most of all, be YOU.
5 – If you could go forward 10-20 years what do you hope to have done or not done?
Over the next decade, I better still be hustling. haha. I want to push boundaries and continue to grow my career. Specifically, I hope to complete a couple artist residencies, exhibit my work internationally, create more public art projects/commissions and integrate new technologies into my practice (i.e. AR, projection mapping).
I will be disappointed if I haven’t created more murals in the next 5 years. I just wrapped up my first public art mural in partnership with the Robert McLaughlin Gallery and I HAD SO MUCH FUN! I’ve wanted to create a mural for years, but I couldn’t wrap my head around how to drip one without spinning the wall. It was time to take a risk and I’m so glad I did! You can check out the finished 14’ x 18’ mural at the Oshawa Centre Mall.
I will continue to splash around in the commercial and public art world. I am currently represented by Wall Space Gallery in Ottawa and I have two solo public art exhibitions lined up for summer 2021