Join us in our excitement as we welcome a new artist joining Well + Wonder on Thursday, Amy Crews! Raised in Atlanta, Amy and her husband moved to Birmingham when she accepted a dream job working with Southern Living magazine. Later after her son was born, she set up her art studio to pursue her other dream job of being a full time artist. Over the past 20 years now, she has won a significant number of awards and has been featured in numerous publications, exhibits, and in notable corporate and private art collections. Amy paints the world around her, fondly reminiscent of her southern roots and upbringing. She is deeply inspired by the memories tied to place and people and by the often overlooked details found in nature. Amy believes art connects us to one another, to our pasts, and to the beauty we see in the world now. This is why she tells her story through canvas and brush. She paints to capture all of our stories. We are SO excited to officially introduce Amy Crews to our Well + Wonder community! Join us Thursday at 10 am as we launch Amy and her debut body of work into the Well + Wonder collection but until then continue reading and learn a little bit more about this talented artist.
What is currently on your nightstand?
A stack of books, a candle, a coaster for my glass of water I set there nightly, a standing phone charger and a little dish to hold earrings or anything I sometimes forget to remove when I get in bed.
Who is your biggest influence as an artist and why?
My mom. She had a knack for pushing me to add more and more details to drawings as a child and I loved to watch her draw. She regretted not pursuing her own talent and I think that’s why she was adamant that I not do the same.
Tell us about your childhood. What is the most memorable moment as a young person?
I grew up in Atlanta and was the youngest of four daughters. There’s a bit of a gap between me and the three older sisters so I learned to entertain myself, usually creatively. I spent a lot of time with my best friend and her parents who took me along on wonderful vacations I would not have had otherwise. Most memorable was sailing off Long Island.
If you could only have one supply in your art studio, what would it be and why?
Maybe pencils. Oils are my specialty but without the other “supplies” that requires I wouldn’t get much done. Pencils are so simple and pure and you can do anything with them. Write AND illustrate what you write.
What is your favorite room in your house? Describe it. My kitchen. It’s the heart of the home and I remodeled it fairly recently. But it’s more about the life that’s lived there than it is about how it’s decorated. Dancing, morning hugs, advice giving, handing down recipes, holiday traditions, etc.
What is your biggest score online?
When I “met” a fellow artist (a jeweler) online and we collaborated, then I had the crazy idea to make a necklace for Bono and she said yes. So we actually did it and I actually got to meet him and present to him. He put it on and said many times how beautiful it was. I still can’t believe it actually happened! But new relationships and business online is a big score for sure!
What is the benefit of buying art through a collective? What do you recommend for those that are new to buying original art?
Get to know the artist. Their story will add value and give an even greater appreciation for the investment. Also, don’t be afraid to spend money on art you love! If we invest in good furniture, surely we should also invest in good art.
If you have the entire day to spend in an art museum, which one and why?
I have not traveled to Europe (yet) so my answer now would be the Chicago Art Institute. I have been a few times and love their collections as well as the beautiful building and location.
What is your favorite hotel and what makes it special?
The Georgian Terrace in Atlanta. I’m a history buff and Atlanta native and there is so much history there. If you go, stay in the newer section and on one of the higher floors. Ask for a room with a view because it is amazing! We enjoy the restaurants and prohibition bar and were given a wonderful tour by the concierge. Located across the street from the Fox which also gives tours.
If you were a lipstick color would you be red, pink, or clear and why?
Me as a color? I suppose I would be clear because I tend to be low key and low maintenance. I’m a t-shirt and jeans and casual type of girl.
I can never get on a plane without….
a good carryon bag! Deep inside I know there’s a risk my checked suitcase could get lost or I get delayed in the airport, so I keep a carryon thoughtfully packed.
How did you get into the world of art?
I had a corporate marketing job and there was a merger that resulted in a massive lay off. My son was one and I felt like I had missed so much of his first year. I had an option to stay and take another position or take a nice severance package. I chose the package as a way to stay home with him for a few years. Before I would return to a full time job, I took a risk. I wanted to see if it was possible to make money with my art first. So that I could be home with my babies now that I had two. The rest is history. I’ve been a professional artist ever since.
What do you do to relax?
That’s a funny question. When what you do to relax is the same thing you do for work. Haha! I find it hard to not do something with my hands. Art is meditative most of the time for me, so often I find refuge in my studio.
When do you get the biggest surge of inspiration?
As my friend said of me one time, “When she’s under the gun, she gets the job done!” Not always a great thing, but deadlines get me going.
Prediction for the Color of 2025?
A shade of black. That would be memorable and fun to see used in creative ways, be it boldly or as a great accent. Or maybe lemon yellow.
What is your idea of a date night? Dinner and a movie or dancing all night?
Dinner and a movie.
Tell us about your favorite painting that you have created.
Now that’s a hard question. Once I painted a bird building it’s nest and realized later that reminded me of a special friend of ours who had suddenly passed away. So I presented it to his wife as a gift. It was very emotional and I honestly found it hard to paint for short period afterwards. But that is more a favorite because it held such meaning. My favorite for the paintings sake? That changes quarterly. At the moment it’s a large blue hydrangea. I love the shades of blue and the delicacy of the details.
One piece of advice for buying original art?
If you really connect to a particular piece go ahead and buy it because it can become a story of “the one that got away” and haunt you. I’ve seen this happen and it has happened to me as well.
