Amy Clarke

Amy Clarke’s abstract paintings are closely connected to the landscape. She sees painting as ‘part play’ where she can tap into childhood memories of making and playing in the Australian bush. “We filled our days playing in the dirt,” says Amy. “My work taps into those feelings and memories. We were always making. In recent years my work has become more abstract but to me the landscape is still there.”

Amy’s new collection of minis for A4D encourage imaginative hanging options and bringing the outdoors inside in vital style . Colourful, soulful, connected - just like the artist herself! 

As an artist and a living, breathing, seeing creative..  what are the most important elements to a grounded, generous and nurturing home space do you think?

 My home is an important creative outlet for me. I couldn’t live in a purely functional space! We have lots of art, indigenous paintings, my Grandmother’s abstracts painted in the ‘60s and ‘70s, a few of my now grown children’s paintings – one of my favourites is ‘A Portrait of Mum!’ It always makes me giggle. I love collecting and swapping work with other artists too and we have sculpture in the house and garden. It’s all quite ‘higgedly piggily’ but I think it has soul.

 Eating dinner in front of the TV is an extremely rare occasion in our home. We always find the time to sit down to a proper meal at night and often have friends or the kids and their friends joining us. Flowers and candles are a must too.

Your minis have always been a favourite for our A4D customers since we first started collaborating in 2021. Tell us a little about the inspiration behind the mini collection just landed at the Mothership? 

In this collection I have been pushing the boundaries of my usual palette and using more mixed media, particularly collage. Adding these new ingredients to my creative process has allowed for creative and compositional discoveries.

Are your cycles of creativity changing with the Seasons? / OR your seasons as a woman? What is it about your practice that you’re doing differently now?

Definitely. When I had very small children all I could manage was three hours a week! I used to go to a class, so I was committed and carved the time out for me. As they became less dependent on me I was able to paint more but it was often fragmented time as I was juggling so many different responsibilities including another job. Now that my children are adults I feel I am moving into a different season where I can really delve deeply into my practice. My plan is to travel more and participate in residencies in Australia and overseas to challenge my thinking and extend my knowledge of other cultures and their art and history.

How is colour significant for your work?

Colour is a very important element in my work – in particular, for its capacity to express a feeling and tie a painting together.

In this exclusive A4D MINI collection I pushed the boundaries of my usual palette. Inspired by Bettina’s always bold and brave use of colour, I found it liberating and exciting to play with new colours. I have been exploring the idea of optimism this year and how that can be expressed through colour. In a troubled world art is a balm for the soul. Quite a few of these MINIs include orange - the colour of adventure and social communication. It stimulates two-way conversations and connection and frees the spirit of limitations. All of these things are on my bucket list in my new chapter as an empty nester!

Early bird or night owl?

Early to bed, early to rise! Sleep is everything. I’m useless without it.

 Who & what supports you in your creative process?

Being an artist is a solitary job a lot of the time which is not always a good thing. I have started teaching private lessons in my studio and it has been a wonderful way of connecting with my tribe. I am meeting some very interesting people and making worthwhile connections. I hope it’s a win, win. Residencies are a very stimulating thing to do as you are being supported by people who truly believe in the arts and want to help you develop your practice.

 My family have been a constant support. My parents and paternal Grandmother have had a huge influence. Mum is a jeweller and my Grandmother painted. We have always been makers in our family. My husband has also been unwavering in his encouragement. I’m sure it would have been far more beneficial at times to have a wife with a more regular job but he has never complained!

 And, the amazing Bettina from Appetite for Decoration! She inspires me to throw away creative limitations and to just be me. The world needs more people like her. (Sponsored!;))

Discover the collection instore at the Mothership as we pop up for the month of April. Interested to know more about Amy’s paintings from a distance? Please email appetitefordecoration@gmail.com and Bettina will be in touch with details. X