We recently had the chance to connect with Amy Weil and have shared our conversation below.
Amy, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
Two and a half years ago I moved to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico with my husband, having lived in New York for over half my life time. It was decision that was not made lightly and it was hard to leave our family and make a new life in another country. I am extremely proud of the life we have built here and the friends we have made. I love the fact that I am learning a new language and immersing myself in a new culture. It was a leap of faith to leave everything behind except our art supplies and a few pieces of furniture, but I have never once regretted this decision.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello readers,
I am a painter working in encaustic and mixed media and create abstract non- objective work as well as semi figurative painting and occasionally installation art. I graduated from Tyler School of art in 1990 and have supplemented my art career through teaching young children. Three years ago, I retired from teaching and moved from Brooklyn New York, where I had been painting since 1990 to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.
My work has been influenced by the colors, light and textures of this beautiful city. As a painter who works primarily in encaustic I have always been interested in light and the incredible light in Mexico continues to inform my work. I am also drawn to the patterns and textures of the buildings in this city. The stones and limestone washes are deeply satisfying to my esthetic sensibilities. I am also drawn to all the colorful clothes and fabrics that hang from the clotheslines on rooftops. It is a theme I pursued when I was in Brooklyn and will probably continue to explore here.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
I was an extremely shy child who had no confidence. I grew up in a very dysfunctional family so there was not a lot of security or confidence building. It was many years later that I finally found my strength, creativity and intelligence. I enjoy life much more as an older person and have let go of much of the baggage of my early years.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
I believe that eventually everyone suffers. It is part of the human experience. Learning how to let go of suffering was and still is the biggest lesson for me. I believe suffering from early childhood trauma has taught me to be a more empathetic person and to understand how deeply connected we are to each other. Because of this, I think a lot about connections in my work. I often draw circles or sometimes use thread in my work as a metaphor for this idea of connection.
We are living in a world that is deeply distressing because of such a profound lack of basic kindness. Suffering has made me understand that the thread that holds us all together is love. I believe my work has become deeper through this understanding of what it means to be human and to love.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief you used to hold tightly but now think was naive or wrong?
I used to believe everyone was basically good but now I think there is real evil in this world. There are people who are sociopaths who want to destroy the world and no amount of understanding will ever change them. That being said, I continue to believe that most people are basically decent and want to make the world a better place.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace in the studio. Even on my bad days, it is a joy to be creating and doing what I love. Being completely in the moment while painting is so meaningful for me. It is a gift to spend all day struggling with a painting and allowing the process to unfold in a completely intuitive and organic way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.amyweilpaintings.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/circles_and_grids/
Image Credits
Amy weil
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