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.

Her work can be found in collections around Australia including the Sunshine Coast University Hospital and St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney. She has recently been recognised in Australian Abstract, a book written by curator Amber Creswell Bell featuring 40 of the Country’s top abstract artists.

Amy has exhibited around the country in solo and group shows including Cool Art, Michael Reid Northern Beaches, Walcha Gallery of Art, Depot Gallery in Sydney, Noosa Regional Gallery, University of Sunshine Coast Art Gallery and Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery. She received a Commended in the Norvill Prize (2011/2012) and was a finalist in the Lethbridge 10 000 Art Prize (2013) and Redland Art Prize (2012).

Artist Statement

“My earliest connection with the natural world was through childhood play. Growing up in the bush in the 1970s did not involve toys. The only toys I recall were a Tonka truck (which I loved!), some Lego and a neglected Barbie doll. I felt in no way deprived. We filled our days playing in the dirt. My paintings are tapping into those feelings and memories. In recent years my work has become increasingly abstract, but to me the landscape is still there. It is my belief that the directness of this simple childhood and our daily engagement with nature laid the foundations of me being an artist. We were always making. To me painting is part play.

I have access to some incredible National Parks near to where I live including Moreton Island and Double Island Point and they provide the perfect space for creativity and new thoughts. I have also completed two residencies at The Corridor Project at Riverslea Station Woolshed which is on the banks of the Lachlan River near Cowra NSW. The stunning landscape provides a stark contrast to the coastal environment I now live in and I find it incredibly stimulating. I tend to work quickly and without a plan. It’s an intuitive process that grapples with colour, movement and form. A painting is complete to me when it can balance these things to create a feeling.”

– Amy Clarke