Inspiration takes many different forms.
In the second of our interviews with the 11 unique local artists exhibiting at The Barn for this year’s Bucks Art Weeks, today we take a closer look at local abstract artist Amy Huitson, her inspirations and her journey.
What are you most looking forward to about this year’s Bucks Art Weeks?
I am really excited to be able to be with other artists again face to face, and to welcome visitors in to see our art in real life! Bucks Art Weeks are all about meeting like-minded people, having inspiring conversations and making new connections with fellow artists and art lovers. It is going to be a real treat this year after so long unable to do this.
What other artists exhibiting at Bucks Art Weeks are you looking forward to going to see?
Gosh, there are so many great artists taking part. This is always the challenge, trying to get out to see others. I’m really pleased to be sharing a room with Bronwen Coussens because I am a big fan of ceramics, and her organic forms are beautiful. I’d like to get to see Ali Mackie and her bright, bold paintings. I must also get to the Studio of 3 on the Hill!
When did you know that you wanted to become an artist?
I’ve always enjoyed making, drawing and painting right from being a child. Making art has been something I have done throughout my life as it gives me joy. I have made studios in my bedroom, the kitchen table, the spare room but recently I’ve finally been able to have my own garden studio. So maybe now I can finally say I’m an artist….
How did you end up painting?
I’ve always loved mark making, to draw and keep sketchbooks. They are a way for me to process what I see. I studied sculpture but in recent years I have found myself doing a lot more drawing and painting. I’m a huge fan of life drawing and attend some great local groups (Outside the Box Life drawing, Boxmoor, and Life Drawing Happenings in Hemel) I think I still imagine everything in 3D and in fact I often use collage and add 3D elements to my work. I have recently started creating small jewellery pieces based on my mark making. I am drawn to texture, layers and colours. Painting allows me to really experiment with my mark making to try and capture the world around me. Drawing and painting can be done almost anywhere with lots or little equipment, so it is very freeing.
What inspires you?
I am a fan of the outdoors and I enjoy my gardening, so my main inspiration is nature. I’m interested in how the weather can so quickly change the look and atmosphere of a landscape and the array of colours that appear as light changes. People can sometimes be surprised by my use of such bright colours in my abstract landscapes, but I am simply exaggerating what can be seen if you look closely. I’m also inspired by texture and all the amazing patterns and textures you find in nature often as a result of weathering from the elements.
Who is your favourite artist of all time and why?
I don’t know if I can choose one! Barbara Rae’s printmaking processes are beautiful, and her sketchbooks are stunning. She creates such depth in her atmospheric works that capture the landscape so perfectly.
(above examples of Barbara Rae's work and Barbara herself)
But I’m also a David Hockney fan, particularly his paintings in Yorkshire of the changing seasons where he paints the same view as seasons change.
(above David Hockney from 'A Year in Yorkshire')
If money was no object and you could buy any piece of art that had ever existed, what would you choose and why?
Again, it would be very hard to choose but owning a David Hockney landscape would make me happy. David Hockney’s Tree Tunnel early Autumn, October - It’s a scene that seems so familiar to me from all our trips to Yorkshire whether as children with my parents or more recently when cycling with my husband. I love the form, the mark making and the colours of orange, green and purple.
Do you have any other shows planned for this year?
Not at the moment, but you can find out more on my website and Instagram pages.
(Amy Huitson work - above)
You can find out more about Amy (artist number 144) via the Bucks Art Weeks website or by clicking here or follow her on instagram.