Featured Artist Amber Penney | Artsy Shark

Artist Amber Penney offers a delightful collection of whimsical artwork filled with wonder. See more of her portfolio by visiting her website.

“Waiting” mixed media collage on paper, 24″ x 18″

My story is one that so many have experienced. I grew up having little, working since I was fifteen years old and all through college. There was no art hanging on the walls where I grew up. Not that my family didn’t appreciate art; it just wasn’t a necessity.

“The Awakening” mixed media on paper, 11″ x 14″

I learned at a young age to look for the beauty in nature and in the quiet moments. It wasn’t until I was twelve or so when I first cracked open an art book. My eyes fell on Picasso’s Les Demoiselles D Avignon and I was entranced. The shapes, lines and color stirred emotions in me as a child that I didn’t recognize or understand. From that day forth, I was addicted to art.

“Watering My House Plant While the World Burns” mixed media collage on paper, 24″ X 20″

So, who am I? I am a mother, a wife, an artist, and occasional poet. I also have a full-time job working in banking technologies. Art is my main passion in life, but it hasn’t been the focus in my life until just recently.

“Plant A Spell” mixed media collage on paper, 11″ x 14″

My love affair with creating art was always like a bad teenage relationship, a very “on again, off again” type thing. It all stemmed from my mind set and self-esteem. I grew up believing owning art was not only unobtainable, but pursuing an art career was unrealistic.

“The Meditation” mixed media on paper, 11″ x 14″

Going through some challenges in my life brought me to a breaking point that made me seek therapy. Art literally pulled me out of my depression. I believe in art therapy. It allowed me to get my thoughts and emotions out so I could make space for them and acknowledge them. Once I started creating again, I have felt much lighter and more complete as a person.

“We Are the Earth” mixed media collage on paper, 20″ x 20″

Amber Waaaves represents how I feel about life. It is neither positive or negative, but both—because life is both. Accept the ebb and flow of your life, and the ocean will set you adrift on an unexpected odyssey filled with wonder.

“Baseline” mixed media collage on paper, 11″ x 14″

My art process can be summed up by three key inspirations: music, poetry and other art. I use a combination of all three to get inspired. I’m a fan of all mediums and genres of art, but the main medium I focus on is mixed media.

“Grow From Trauma” mixed media on paper, 11″ x 14″

I like to use acrylic paint, markers and crayons for my artwork. Collage is one of my favorite things to do because it allows me to arrange shapes and colors I may never have thought go together. When you play around with a bunch of handmade collage designs and the pieces fall into place, it is like magic. The feeling is great. I love that process.

“Self-Care” mixed media collage on paper, 11″ x 14″

My art covers a wide range of topics depending on my mood (my zodiac sign is Cancer after all.) Such topics are centered around women’s empowerment, women’s issues, infertility, mental health, esoteric and spiritual philosophies, poetry and nature.

Amber Penney invites you to follow her on Instagram and Society6.

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