Meet Amy Schissel

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Amy Schissel. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Amy, so happy to have you with us today and there is so much we want to ask you about. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others developed certain skills or qualities that we are struggling with can be helpful. Along those lines, we’d love to hear from you about how you developed your ability to take risk?

I’ve developed my ability to take risks by trusting my creative process and embracing the unknown. Some of my most successful art installations have come from taking major risks, often under tight, time-sensitive deadlines. Once I decide to go forward with a large-scale project, it’s a full-on-no-turning-back commitment, even if I don’t yet know exactly how to get there. I thrive on the excitement of facing new challenges, both with the material that I usually engage with, paper, and learning new equipment and software to push myself beyond what I’ve done before.

I know that playing it safe won’t help me grow, either artistically or professionally. Every time I’ve stepped outside my comfort zone, good things have happened. That’s why I continue to take risks, knowing that the challenge itself is what drives my best work.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I am an artist based in Miami, FL, traveling nationally and internationally to exhibit my drawing and painting projects. Art has always been a part of my life—I was raised in a musical and artistic family, which naturally led me to pursue a career in the arts. I earned both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Fine Arts from the University of Ottawa in Ontario, Canada, and since then, my journey has taken me across North America, Europe, and the UK.

Alongside having my work placed in major institutional collections, I create commissioned paintings for private and corporate clients and produce large-scale drawings, paintings, and installations for international art fairs, museums, and institutions. Some of my recent paintings have been acquired by GOOGLE (at their NYC headquarters) and Canada’s Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, where they are displayed in Canadian embassies in Lima, Peru, and Brussels, Belgium.

Currently, I am exploring how technology and art intersect, particularly in the world of Augmented Reality. I am fascinated by how our physical surroundings are now layered with digital information, and through my work, I investigate how Artificial Intelligence and mapping technology can reveal hidden stories within geographic data. My focus is on how technology is reshaping our understanding of borders, space, and connection in an increasingly globalized world. Using AI-generated imagery, scientific maps, and data visualizations, I experiment with new ways to blend traditional drawing with cutting-edge technology.

Beyond my studio practice, I love sharing my work through lectures across the U.S. and Canada, engaging with new audiences and fellow artists. Teaching is also an important part of my career—I currently teach painting at the University of Miami. Whether through exhibitions, commissions, or research, I am always looking for new ways to push my creative boundaries and contribute to the evolving relationship between art and technology.

I am excited to share that my next solo exhibition will open on May 10th at HEMPHILL Artworks, in Washington, D.C. (434 K Street, NW).

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey as an artist are:

Willingness to Take Risks – I’ve never shied away from ambitious projects, even when they pushed me beyond my comfort zone. Taking on challenges without always knowing exactly how I’ll achieve them has led to some of my most successful exhibitions and opportunities.
Advice in this area is to say yes to projects that challenge you! Growth happens when you take on things that feel just beyond your current skill set. Trust that you’ll figure it out along the way.

Adaptability and Continuous Learning – My work has evolved alongside advancements in technology, from exploring new software to integrating research on AI and experimenting with digital mapping to incorporate into my mostly hand-made artistic process. Being open to learning new tools and approaches has kept my work fresh and innovative.
My advice to artists here is to stay curious and keep learning. Experiment with new techniques, materials, and technologies. The art world is always changing, and the more adaptable you are, the more opportunities you’ll find.

Building Relationships and Engaging with the Art Community – Traveling for exhibitions, lectures, and teaching has allowed me to connect with artists, curators, and institutions worldwide. These relationships have helped expand my career.
My advice on networking is to get involved in the art community—attend exhibitions, meet with other artists, and share your work in studio visits. Seek mentors and be open to collaboration. Opportunities often come through connections, and being an active part of the art community at school, in the community, and beyond can open doors!

For those early in their journey, I’d say: stay bold, keep learning, and surround yourself with people who inspire and challenge you. Every step you take, even the uncertain ones, will help shape your path.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

My parents did so many things right, and their influence has shaped both my life and career. I was raised on a farm in Canada, but creativity was always at the center of our home. My mother, a professional artist, surrounded me with painting from a young age—I spent time in her studio, attended her exhibitions, and even joined her when she attended workshops. She nurtured my creativity early on, teaching me color theory as a child and guiding me toward more advanced techniques as I grew. Art was never just something she did; it was a way of life, and that deeply influenced my own artistic path.

My father brought music into our home in the same way, with multiple instruments and song—music was just a part of our daily routine, and his love for it was so contagious that I initially pursued Jazz Saxophone in my undergraduate studies before ultimately switching to painting. That early exposure to both visual art and music instilled in me a life-long and deep appreciation for the arts as a whole.

Most importantly, my parents always supported me, no matter what artistic direction I took. When questioning whether a career in the arts was possible—they encouraged me to keep going. To this day, when we’re together, we still play music and have painting sessions. The arts are woven into the fabric of our family, and that foundation continues to fuel my dedication to my work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.amyschissel.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amyschissel/