Amy Kollar Anderson |

Worm Wine : 2006 : acrylic on canvas : 24" x 32"

Amy Kollar Anderson creates an artistic narrative that depicts “obsession, duality and containment to explore the differences of being in and out of control”. Having grown up in the suburbs of Chicago she has gathered inspiration from the Surrealist, Symbolists, Art Nouveau, and the Decorative Arts. Amy has a B.F.A. from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago and a Master of Humanity with a focus in Fine Arts from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. It was my great pleasure to have her answer some questions about her beautiful and contrasting world of Art.

David: Hello Amy thanks so much for taking the time to have an interview with me. You grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, where did your interest in art come from, and when did you start “creating”?

Amy: Like most children, I drew and created from a very young age.

Blind Faith : 2007 : acrylic on canvas : 32" x 38"

My parents were very supportive, and always had fun projects for their “little artist.” I remember making paper dolls with my grandmother, and coloring in the spaces created by my Father’s scribbles. I probably get my creative side from my Mother. Although she was never encouraged to pursue the arts, she is very imaginative and enjoys creating with her hands.

David: You have a love for textures, colors, and forms, how do you start your creative process with a new painting and where do you believe your ideas evolve from?

Mafdet : 2010 : acrylic on canvas : 10" x 16"

Amy: My creative process can vary. Sometimes I find inspiration in a dream, something I read, or images that I find online, in a book or are taken by me. I enjoy photographing my subjects, sometimes with a concept in mind, and sometimes to see what creative elements my model brings to the session. These days, I begin with a small, quick concept sketch, just a gesture to get the basic idea down. From there, I create a full-scale drawing that will be transferred to the canvas with carbon paper. Even though the composition is flushed out at this point, I enjoy interacting with the image, adding elements as the story evolves. Characters emerge and interact with each other or express emotions through their gestures. These elements can change the entire mood of the piece or send it in a completely different conceptual direction.

David: Surrealism, symbols, Art Nouveau, and decorative art are a big influence on you. Who or what do you consider to be the greatest influence on your art?

The Millinery Studio : 2010 : acrylic on canvas : 14" x 20"

Amy: Nature, both the flora and fauna, are a huge influence on my work. I have learned a lot from observing the movements and expressions my cats make, or exploring the light or textures in my backyard or the woods near my house. Other artists influence me, both past and present. Judith Schaechter is the first artist I connected with when I was a teenager. She works in glass, but her use of color, pattern and narratives are similar to those I am attracted to creating. Also, a major influence on my work is my husband. His feedback is an invaluable tool in my creative arsenal.

David: What do you consider to be your greatest achievement with a finished art work?

Amy: My greatest achievement is when I can inspire someone with my artwork.

David: What are your future hopes and dreams with your work, if you can envision that?

Amy: I don’t tend to focus on the future very much, other than to apply for shows and by sending out portfolio packets. In general, my hopes are that I continue to improve my skills and create more complex paintings that challenge me. I have been trying to bring in more serious subject matters into my work by dealing with humanitarian and environmental issues. In general, I hope to make it to the level where I am included in some fun group shows in the galleries I admire.

David: Of all the art work you’ve done, do you have a favorite?

Phyxiated : 2011 : acrylic on canvas : 12" x 14"

Amy: My favorites change from day to day, but I have been very proud of “Worm Wine,” and use it on most of my promotional materials. My current body of work is based on the writings of Lewis Carroll, specifically the “Alice” stories. I used the original text as a starting point, then combine elements from my life and characters in the stories to create new narratives or portraits. For example, I created a portrait of the young Queen of Hearts that gives a glimpse into her asphyxiation/decapitation fetish, which you can see being created in the time lapse video I posted on YouTube.Phyxiated – Time Lapse Painting by Amy Kollar Anderson I am currently working on the battle between the Queen of Clubs and Spades and the Jabberwock. The series is called “A Wasp in a Wig” after the chapter that was written by Carroll, but did not make it into the final manuscript. I like the idea that these pieces show elements of Wonderland that could exist based on the other happens, but are not documented in the book. I am very excited to see where this series takes me.