Q&A with artist Amy Compton

Introducing the wonderful mixed media artist Amy Compton! Amy has been on my radar for quite some time now. For me, it is not just her colourful and soulful art that stands out. It is also her experimentational approach to art-making, her willingness to share her journey and her support of others as they make their own way through the world of art. But will you like her art and her nature as much as I do? I'm pretty sure I know the answer... but I'll let you be the judge. Read on.

Tell us a little bit about you, your family and where you live in the world

Hello! I'm Amy Compton - abstract artist and full-time mum of three kids (aged 1, 3 and 8) from Sydney. I guess you could say that I'm a relative late-comer to the art scene as I spent my 20s and 30s studying, travelling and pursuing a career in the media industry. 

These days, when I'm not running around after the kids (which is most of the time!), I am painting up a storm in the kids' playroom or on the lounge room floor once the kids are asleep.

My goal is to become a full-time artist once my youngest is at school. Let's call it a Five Year Plan! My husband has agreed to build me a studio in the garden. He’s a keeper!

How long have you been an artist? When and how did this all begin?

I’ve had a whisper in my ear for most of my adult life telling me to paint. And I’ve had these recurring dreams of the most vibrant, beautiful and intricate paintings. But despite this, I was always too scared to actually paint. Scared of what? Failure, I suppose. Or not being good enough. I’m not sure where these feelings came from, but they were deeply rooted within me and very hard to get past. 

Then in 2019, after a very difficult pregnancy with my third child, I decided that enough was enough. I had to make a change. I needed something in my life that was just for me. I needed to give this painting thing a crack (even if it meant failing).

So, I bought some cheap art supplies and did a short course on a website called Creative Bug. Before I knew it, I was painting every day and within a few months, I realised that I had found my calling. Something monumental had shifted within me and the block which had been standing in my way for all those years was finally gone.  

What has been the highlight of your artist journey to date?

There’s been a few highlights, but the biggest has been finding my calling. It has been life changing on so many levels.

The community of like-minded introverts who I’ve befriended via Instagram has been another highlight. I liken this community to a global love bubble. It’s the best!

What style of art do you create and how do you want people to feel or respond when they see it?

My style is constantly evolving, but I would say the overall style is abstract expressionism. My artwork is a mirror of my personality - bright, cheerful, playful and layered. People tell me that my paintings are happy, vibrant and energetic. It feels good to inject a bit of happiness into the world, especially in light of recent events like Covid.

I want people to feel at peace when they look at my paintings because that’s how I feel when I paint.

What is your advice to creative souls and emerging artists?

1. Have a daily art practice: this has really helped to progress my art.
2. Work in a sketchbook: this is a great way to experiment with different ideas on a small scale before committing to a large canvas. 
3. Have a permanent art space: I recommend setting up a permanent space in your home where you can do your art.
4. Be brave: don’t get too comfortable. Keep pushing your comfort zone and experimenting with different materials and techniques.  

Are there any new or emerging artists that you would like to give a shout out to?

Gosh, so many! Bree Morrison, Lauren Ward, Liz Fitzgerald, Nikki Holmes, Catherine Murray, Belinda Stone, Jennifer Hopper, Hayley Wills, Jane Thompson, Anna Price, Katherine Elizabeth, Lottie Rae, Rachaell Nunney, Prudence Demarchi, Jacqui Cullen, Sammy Ann (and these are just a few!).

Which artists inspire me?

Kate Owen (one of the first artists who inspired me), Camilla Cicoria, Phoebe Moonyean Gander, Charoula Nikolaidou, Georgie Wilson, Deb McNaughton, Mia Oatley, Adele Sypesteyn, Rowan Rosie, Jen Sievers, Anne-Sophie Tschiegg and loads more!

Where can we find you online?

Instagram! I’m planning on building a website later this year. It’s on my to-do list!

If you enjoyed this guest blog post, pretty please leave a beautiful comment below for the gorgeous Amy! We're all about encouragement and support here at the Art For Heart blog.

Ros

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AMY COMPTON'S ARTIST BIO

Hi, I’m Amy Compton - a self-taught, abstract artist from Sydney, Australia.

I make colourful abstract paintings from my home in Sydney which I share with my husband and three young children.  

My painting practise gives me great peace. But my favourite thing about painting is being able to use my creativity to make someone else’s world more beautiful.

Head to @amycomptonart on Instagram to check out my artwork!