We were lucky to catch up with Amy Twomey recently and have shared our conversation below.
Amy, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
Like many artists, I battled imposter syndrome for decades, constantly feeling inadequate and comparing myself unfavorably to others. Even as I pursued my passion at The School of The Art Institute of Chicago, I couldn’t shake the nagging feeling that I didn’t belong among such talented peers. If only I could go back and talk to my younger self; the things I would say!
Everything changed during the pandemic when I embarked on a transformative journey through “The Artist’s Way” book by Julia Cameron alongside a group of supportive and empathetic women. For 12 weeks, we delved deep into our psyches, shedding layers of trauma, insecurities, and self-doubt. I embraced the process wholeheartedly, allowing myself to paint freely without the weight of judgment.
Through this journey, I discovered a unique artistic voice that was unmistakably mine all along(I just didn’t see it). With newfound confidence, I began sharing my work on social media, breaking down barriers and receiving an overwhelmingly positive response. It was liberating to realize that I had a style that was entirely my own, and it fueled my passion to create even more. I realized there is only one me, nobody has my mind, and nobody can create the art that I do–it’s too complex, and weird, and they are my life stories I am painting on the canvas.
Setting up my own art studio became a pivotal step in my journey. It’s a sacred space where I can paint every day, uninterrupted and undisturbed. The momentum grew rapidly, with buyers collecting my work and invitations to exhibit in shows falling in my lap. It was a whirlwind of success that I never imagined possible.
Through it all, I’ve learned to trust in the process of painting and staying true to myself. I know now that when we embrace our authenticity, everything falls into place as it should. Painting has become more than just a passion—it’s my purpose, and I am grateful every day for the journey that led me here. And I am confident that I will continue to paint, evolve, and inspire for as long as I can hold a brush.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m delighted to share a glimpse into my creative endeavors with you. As a full-time artist, I divide my time between two deeply rewarding pursuits: painting and photography.
Firstly, there’s my love for painting. I am a contemporary painter who has been described as a “spiritually symbolic painter”. I use symbolism to lay out stories of my life on large canvases. Currently, I’m immersed in preparing for my upcoming exhibition at The Norman Brown Gallery. The show will be installed March 4th through April 5th, the exhibition will display the pieces I painting in 2023,and a few I just finished this month that I’m eager to share with y’all.
But there’s more to my artistic journey. When I’m not at the easel, I’m behind the camera lens as a professional photographer specializing in high school senior portraits and fashion shoots. Picture this: a day of glamour and camaraderie at a downtown studio, where friends can come together, strike poses, and feel like supermodels. This unique experience is enhanced by my collaboration with Jill Morrow, the visionary behind “I Am Clothes Minded Vintage” shop in North Dallas. Her expertise in styling elevates our shoots to new heights of sophistication and vintage charm. I’ve been photographing portraits since the 90s—and still love it as much as I did when I started!
Save the date(s) for some exciting upcoming events! Immerse yourself in the Spring Art Walk through The Goldmark Cultural Center on March 23rd and 24th and come see my work in the Norman Brown Gallery. And of course, don’t miss the exhibition reception on March 30th from 1-3pm – I’d love to meet you, come say hi!
For updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses, follow me on social media at @amytwomeypainter and @amytwomeyphotography
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?
Throughout my journey as an artist, three qualities have been particularly impactful: belief in myself, treating art as a full-time job, and a work ethic driven by the fear of time slipping away.
First and foremost, believing in myself as an artist has been foundational. It’s about acknowledging my unique voice and perspective, and understanding that my creativity holds immense value. This belief has propelled me forward, even in the face of doubt or adversity.
Secondly, I learned to treat making art as a full-time job. This means dedicating myself to my craft with the same level of commitment and professionalism as any other occupation. Embracing this mindset has allowed me to prioritize my art, carve out time for it, and approach it with the seriousness it deserves.
My work ethic and drive to make the most of every moment have also played crucial roles. A diagnosis of an incurable lymphoma in 2018 made me acutely aware of the preciousness of time. This sense of urgency pushed me to live life to the fullest and pursue my passion for painting with intense drive.
For those early in their artistic journey, I offer this advice: Stop comparing yourself to other artists. Instead, focus on becoming the best possible version of yourself. Find your flow state, that place where creativity flows effortlessly, and embrace it fully. Let go of insecurities and judgmental voices, both internal and external. Keep creating, keep experimenting, and keep pushing your boundaries. Trust in your unique journey and never underestimate the power of your own creativity to inspire and transform, and find yourself a good community.
Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?
One book that has profoundly shaped my artistic journey is “The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron. Delving into its pages with my circle of fellow creatives during the pandemic was a transformative experience, offering moments of healing and growth during uncertain times.
Here are a few invaluable nuggets of wisdom from “The Artist’s Way” that resonated deeply with me:
Morning Pages: Julia Cameron introduced the concept of Morning Pages, a daily practice of writing three pages of stream-of-consciousness thoughts upon waking. This ritual helped me clear mental clutter, tap into my creativity, and set a positive tone for the day ahead. I believe in journaling, and feel this is a tool everyone in the world would benefit from!
Artist Dates: The book encouraged regular Artist Dates, solo excursions to nourish and inspire the creative spirit. These outings allowed me to explore new environments, engage with different forms of art, and reconnect with the joy of creation outside of my usual routine. Sometimes for my artist dates I would just throw a blanket down at the park and sit in silence meditating with natures beautiful noises we only hear when we are paying attention.
Embracing Imperfection: Through “The Artist’s Way,” I learned to embrace imperfection as an inherent part of the creative process. Cameron emphasizes the importance of letting go of self-judgment and allowing oneself to experiment freely without fear of failure.
Reconnecting with Passion: The book helped me reignite my passion for art by encouraging introspection and self-discovery. By engaging in exercises and reflections presented in the book, I uncovered deeper insights into my creative desires and aspirations.
Community and Support: Perhaps most importantly, “The Artist’s Way” emphasized the power of community and support in nurturing artistic growth. Sharing experiences, challenges, and triumphs with my circle of creatives provided a sense of belonging and encouragement that fueled my journey.
Overall, “The Artist’s Way” served as a guiding light during a period of uncertainty, offering practical tools, profound insights, and a supportive framework for exploring and expanding my artistic potential. It’s a book I continue to revisit for inspiration and guidance on my creative path. I highly recommend it to anyone who feels stuck.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.amytwomey.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amytwomeypainter/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amytwomeystudio/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuKXDYCoLuA9-QIVkAV_J3g
