When you live in a City as small as Saint John, you’re bound to know everyone. Up until the summer of 2011, I didn’t really know Amy at all! (Still, so shocking to me!)

I’m so glad that I’ve gotten to know her over the fall. She’s just accepted a job with my BFF Judith Mackin working for Punch Productions and Punch Inside. Dream job, or what?

When Amy agreed to let me interview her, I was so excited… read on! You’ll love her.

{ Photo by Ken Doody… stolen from Amy’s Facebook page }

Hi Amy! Tell me a bit about yourself and what you do!

A few random truths: I am from Hampton, but am living in uptown Saint John. I have been in many fantastic corners of the world, but I choose to live here because this area has my heart. I really value community and my relationships, and I find the best of both here. I am an artist and educator, VP and programming chair of third space gallery, and, most recently, happy employee of Punch Productions & Punch Inside.

{ One of Ten, Available at Ingrid Mueller Art + concepts in Fredericton }

How would you describe your art?

I am a visual artist. I find the labeling of an entire practice to be a bit daunting because it is evolutionary—or, rather, I think it should be something that evolves. I tend to be drawn to educated experimental processes. The work that I exhibit is largely characterized as “mixed media painting”, but I also include drawing, embroidery and screen printing(among other media) in my regular studio practice. I hope to have my practice evolve and branch out to include many other art forms throughout my career.

{ With Love from All of Us, Available at Ingrid Mueller Art + concepts in Fredericton }

When did you start making art?

I have always made art. As a child I knew I would go to art school after graduation. That said, it never crossed my mind that I could ‘be’ an ‘artist’. I didn’t realize that regular people could be ‘artists’ until much later. I always thought of it as a means to something else.

{ A peek at Amy’s Studio }

You are on the Third Space Gallery Board of Directors

What got you interested in that?

I have been on the board of third space gallery since 2008. I became involved after moving back from Japan. I love third space gallery because it is truly a community gallery—it is run entirely by volunteers, takes direction from its members, and exists throughout the city, in collaboration with other organizations, and in our hearts.

{ Little Diana, Available at Ingrid Mueller Art + concepts in Fredericton }

Do you know where any of your paintings are?

Do you have any interesting stories about them?

The Saint John Arts Centre used to have a regular fundraiser auction of nudes. As a student, enrolled in life drawing class, and a supporter of SJAC I used to donate to this auction. Funny enough, one of these wound up at a yard sale and was purchased by my mother’s co-worker. It made me giggle.

{ Joyce in the Green Coat, Available at Ingrid Mueller Art + concepts in Fredericton }

What’s a typical day like for you?

I have very little routine in my life… some days I get up, put my ‘teacher clothes’ on and head to a district 6 school to teach. Other days, my uptown days, are devoted to third space gallery, or spent working in the studio, grabbing intermittent coffee or tea at Java Moose or Magnolia. I love teaching, and I love my uptown days; I always appreciate a change of pace. Regardless of what my day entails, I always start my morning off slowly with a good coffee, and I always make my bed, even if the rest of my space is in shambles.

{ Deep waters; of Home and Away, Work and Play, Available at Ingrid Mueller Art + concepts in Fredericton }

Your dream day?

My dream day would pretty much just be a regular day that has twice as many hours. I would love to wake up, have time to read and drink my coffee, spend time in my studio, and with my favourite people, and it would include a trip to Hampton. In order for it to be a true dream day, something serendipitous would have to happen. I love surprises, coincidences and happy accidents.

{ Women and Children, Available at Ingrid Mueller Art + concepts in Fredericton }

And just for fun…

Who are your three favourite bands?

This is the hardest question. I am a music junkie…but I can’t begin to answer this. I’ll keep it in mind for our coffee date.

Favourite thing to do on a Saturday afternoon?

Wake up and have brunch with my lovely roommates, read Salon, walk through King Square and the Market to my studio and get some work done, then have a little studio nap (I have the best naps in my studio) and head to Hampton for supper. That sounds like a nice Saturday.

What book are you reading right now?

I just finished David Adams Richards’ “Mercy Among the Children”…It was devastatingly beautiful- A must read. I’ve just started “Some Prefer Nettles”, by Jyunichiro Tanizaki. I am also re-reading Alice in Wonderland again for the hundredth time. A friend lent me a beautiful copy of a new publication of “Alice’s Adventure in Wonderland” with a forward by Alberto Manuel and woodblock print illustrations by George A Walker. I know that I have had it too long and should return it, so I want to get one last read in!

Do you have a favourite local artist?

I have a lot of favourite artists! There are so many interesting artists working in our area. We are lucky to have such a solid community (and I count each of the maritime provinces within our community) of art. I really could list a slew of people, but at the top of that list you would find Dan Steeves. I love his work.

Do you have a favourite fashion designer?

I have a hard time picking one. I love the theatrics of fashion, so I love Alexander McQueen, Rei Kawabuko (Comme Des Garcons). I have a special appreciation for Marc Jacobs, because he makes beautiful things, and also because I love collaboration and he pulled off an incredibly successful collaboration to revive the (Louis) Vuitton brand in partnership with Takashi Murakami. I love Erdem Moralioglu and would love to wear any piece. Finally, as the scavenger that I am, I adore reason vinatage pieces and reclaimed and revamped items. I have a crush on Halifax’s Orphanage Clothing ( in particular the rebuilt plaid blouses and re-cut men’s wool pieces) for this reason.

Where is your art available?

Typically, all sales go through Ingrid Mueller Art & Concepts, in Fredericton.

{ A peek into Amy’s Studio }

What’s next for you, Amy?

Next up: I am really thrilled to be working with Judith Mackin and Sarah Tapley, at Punch Productions and Punch Inside—so excited! I am also working on a large commission for everyone’s favourite SJ photographer, Kelly Lawson.

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I love her! Don’t you?

You can keep up with Amy on Twitter, at Punch Inside and Punch Productions and Third Space Gallery.

Thanks!