We’re looking forward to introducing you to Amy Wetterlin. Check out our conversation below.
Amy, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Well, I love to laugh and I try to find something to chuckle about everyday.
I try not to take myself so seriously. I’m full of nonsense and flaws lol so I’m able to laugh at myself.
I recently became a resident artist of a gallery in St. Louis MO which is really exciting. I’m proud to be growing as an artist. I’ve learned so much about myself in the past 4 years and I feel I have used that knowledge in my work. I think I’m finally happy to be me. Proud to be me.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I have my B. A.. in Art, but I have honestly learned more, and found my own groove outside of my education. I work at a boutique during the week and at the gallery I am a resident of on weekends. Being around other artists is invigorating. I’m always so happy to go to the gallery where my work is.
I’ve been accepted to different themed art gallery shows around the St. Louis metro area. As a contemporary fine artist, I do a little of everything, collage, mixed media, and some pop art to name a few. What I’ve been currently focusing on are women’s faces and how each one have their own personality. It’s a mixed media series. I make them beautiful and empowered with a boldness of colors and lines. I find women to be the stronger of the two sexes in many ways, along with their beauty – they can be unstoppable.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I’ve always been creative and artistic. I realized early on what a special gift that truly is. I was told it wouldn’t get me anywhere though. Graduate high school and get a job then get married or just get married. This is what my mother did who is also an artist.
I was also told as an adult, that I would never make it as an artist, especially financially. I was persuaded to get a degree in visual communications which involved graphic design and website making. This was 2004 time frame. So I did it and I hated it. So here I am, now in my mid 50’s and I’m focused on my work like never before, and it feels great.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
That’s an interesting question. So in the last 3 years, I’ve come to grips and acceptance of not being accepted and loved by my mother and father and I feel free in finally realizing it. I was the last of four children. I don’t blame either parent for their inability to give and receive love. They did what they knew how to do, some of it was unkind and abusive and that is what I’ve been working with my therapist about. Some of the pain has poured into my work and it’s apparent that I’m being very vulnerable and hurting in my pieces. But it is also freeing. Some of my work just isn’t pretty. It can be very raw. I think at this point in my life however, I am moving on from the hurt to living a present, full, life, especially in my work. I hope it shows!
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
I would have to say for the most part yes, but I think if we really think about it, do we want to show the world our true selves? I have a small circle of people I love and cherish. They see the real me and my all my flaws. The public doesn’t need to know me that well lol. People can be judgmental, critical and just hurtful. But I am also-for the most part is “what you see, is what you get” woman.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What will you regret not doing?
I would have to say traveling more and giving more of myself and time to others in need. I’ve been very consumed with my art and most of my time and funds go towards that. I would like to visit villages in different countries and help kids learn to read. I hope to do that someday soon.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.amyfineart.com
- Instagram: amy_wetterlin
- Facebook: Amy Wetterlin Visual Art
- Other: https://www.soulardartgallery.com/resident
Image Credits
Amy Wetterlin photos
Amy Wetterlin paintings/mixed media
