Amber Jean Young was born on May 15, 1984 in Palo Alto, California. As a child, she was enrolled in assorted art classes where she learned to draw, paint, make paper and work with clay. As a youth, Amber excelled in art-related courses and spent most of her time on creative projects. She was often reclusive and was content to play alone. Never fear, she came out of her shell eventually, odd social graces included.
In 1998, Amber enrolled at Crystal Springs Uplands School for high school. Although the school was reputable, Amber was dissatisfied with the traditional methods of teaching. In 1999, she transferred to Lick-Wilmerding High School, a technical arts school in San Francisco. At Lick-Wilmerding, she was given the opportunity to take a host of shop classes including machine, metal, wood and glass as well as painting. She graduated in 2002 after the completion of her senior exercise, which consisted of a series of abstract paintings of vaginas inspired by the Vagina Monologues.
Later in 2002, Amber enrolled at Kenyon College in central Ohio. She majored in Studio Art with a concentration in Painting.
In the summer of 2005, Amber discovered Encaustic (painting with molten wax and pigments) and was taught how to use the medium by Adele Shaw. She lived in Taos, New Mexico for the summer, where she practiced the medium while also working at RB Ravens Gallery.
Upon return to Kenyon she decided to further her exploration by committing to the medium for her Senior Exhibition, Molten Division.
Amber currently paints in both oils and encaustic and will be attending the San Francisco Art Institute for their Post Baccalaureate program in the Fall."
In 1998, Amber enrolled at Crystal Springs Uplands School for high school. Although the school was reputable, Amber was dissatisfied with the traditional methods of teaching. In 1999, she transferred to Lick-Wilmerding High School, a technical arts school in San Francisco. At Lick-Wilmerding, she was given the opportunity to take a host of shop classes including machine, metal, wood and glass as well as painting. She graduated in 2002 after the completion of her senior exercise, which consisted of a series of abstract paintings of vaginas inspired by the Vagina Monologues.
Later in 2002, Amber enrolled at Kenyon College in central Ohio. She majored in Studio Art with a concentration in Painting.
In the summer of 2005, Amber discovered Encaustic (painting with molten wax and pigments) and was taught how to use the medium by Adele Shaw. She lived in Taos, New Mexico for the summer, where she practiced the medium while also working at RB Ravens Gallery.
Upon return to Kenyon she decided to further her exploration by committing to the medium for her Senior Exhibition, Molten Division.
Amber currently paints in both oils and encaustic and will be attending the San Francisco Art Institute for their Post Baccalaureate program in the Fall."
For the last couple years I have been drawn to creating abstract landscapes, comprised of geometric lines and shapes varying in texture. I find the way nature is both complicated and extremely simple fascinating, which is probably why it has proven such a persistent theme in my works.
I find abstract painting to be the best way for me to channel my energy and release tension in my body and mind. The choices I make within these abstractions are instinctual and are made without prior planning. My method reflects the part of my mind that wishes to be less cautious. While painting, I enter a state of mind or
zonewhere I feel less inhibited and I am often able to funnel my emotions onto the canvas without interference from third parties. By thinking of painting as a conversation between the supplies and myself, I accelerate the rate in which I
zone inon my work.
I paint with oil and encaustic paint. I enjoy these mediums because they cater to my need for vibrant colors and thick textural layers. I find that using colors that are not ordinarily accompanied by one another can create an element of either discomfort, or ease, depending on the application of the paint and the subject matter. It is the interaction between the colors, the textures and the shape that compel me.
- upcoming events -
Kings Mountain Art Fair
Kings Mountian, California
September 1-3, 2007
Noe Valley Harvest Festival
San Francisco, California
October 13, 2007
- past events -
Olin Gallery
Gambier, Ohio
April, 2006
Kings Mountian Art Fair
Kings Mountian, California
September 1-3, 2006
email:
ambyjeanenator@gmail.com
ambyjeanenator@gmail.com
