Women United ART PRIZE 2023
Painting & Drawing Category
3rd place winner

ARTIST BIO

Amy Lewis is a self taught artist from Washington state. Her watercolor and oil paintings are vivid lifelike snapshots of ordinary life glamorized. Amy, inspired by fashion editorials and historic paintings of aristocracy, pairs everyday objects with rich backgrounds. The juxtaposition of the ordinary and the luxurious sparks an appreciation for the things we take for granted. She paints to cultivate joy and an appreciation for the beauty that is all around us.

ARTIST STATEMENT

My work is a practice in gratitude. It is the cultivation of joy and an appreciation for the beauty that is all around us. I’m constantly exploring ways to portray ordinary life as glamorous. Everyday objects paired with luxurious backgrounds create a juxtaposition which sparks an appreciation for the things we take for granted.

Fashion editorials and historic paintings of aristocracy are rich sources of inspiration. Fashion editorials often use contrasting themes to create tension. Paintings of aristocracy are rich with examples of luxury from the satin slippers to the velvety curtain backdrop.

I work in watercolor and oil paints. For watercolors and oil paintings, alike, I paint roughly 3-4 layers. Many layers means that the resulting painting has a smooth finish and vivid complex colors. Depending on the size, medium and complexity of a piece they can take 1-2 days or 1-2 months.

Inspired by the beauty of the ordinary I am reminded to be grateful and to use my privileges for the good of others.

Tacoma, WA / United States