About Amber
Summary
Collage has been my preferred form of artistic expression since childhood. I rediscovered my passion and have been refining my skills since 2010. I create landscapes, both real and imaginary, and will occasionally create other compositions and commissions as well. My collage methods are self-taught and have evolved over time. Primary source materials are security envelope patterns, magazines, and books. Since so much of human history is documented by the trash created, my process is an unintentional wink to my previous studies of Anthropology. Compositions start with deconstructing materials by color, pattern, shape, etc. More often than not, I go in attempting to create depth. My preferred tool is scissors, and I also use a variety of hole punch shapes. Substrate is typically wood panel or Masonite. Currently I use Liquitex gel medium for assemblage, followed by a top coat for additional protection. Some collages include layers of polycrylic image transfer, a method learned from a colleague in 2019. With all of my collages, I take the opportunity to let my mind wander—revisiting memories and imaging purpose. Art saves.
Experience/Exhibitions
September 2023, Small Works Show 2023, Rhode Island Watercolor Society, Pawtucket, RI.
June 17 - October 8, 2023, DuMA Biennial, Dubuque, IA.
2022 Recipient— Individual Artist Grant, Quad City Arts, Rock Island, IL.
October 15, 2021-December 3, 2021, Quad City Arts presents "Art on Lockdown", Rock Island, IL.
March 2020, GALEX 54th National Competition & Exhibition, Galesburg Civic Art Center, Galesburg, IL.
February-March 2020, The Final Midcoast Fine Arts Exhibition @ Bucktown Center for the Arts, Davenport, IA.
February 2020, Power Frauen group exhibit, German American Heritage Center, Davenport, IA.
September-October 2019, Art at the Moline International Airport Gallery (group exhibit), Moline, IL.
August 2019, Alternating Currents: Paper Fest Demonstrator, Davenport, IA.
December 2017-January 2018, Desoto Group Exhibition, Bucktown Center for the Arts, Davenport, IA.
September-October 2017, Art at the Moline International Airport Gallery (group exhibit), Moline, IL.
November 2016, "Good Fodder" a biography in collage, Rozz Tox, Rock Island, IL.
August 2016, Revive 2 Recycled Art Exhibition (Best in Show), Bucktown Center for the Arts, Davenport, IA.
February-May 2016, Rock Island Art Guild Fine Arts Exhibition (Honorable Mention), Figge Art Museum, Davenport, IA.
August, 2015: “EARTH”, group show at Dubuque Area Arts Collective, Dubuque, IA.
April, 2015: “Blurring the Edges”, group show at Dubuque Area Arts Collective, Dubuque, IA.
September-October 2014, Art at the Moline International Airport Gallery (group exhibit), Moline, IL.
September 2012: River Arts Invitational Art Show, Rock Island Public Library, Rock Island, IL.
Memberships/Appointments
2008-Current: Desoto Pottery Studio, Rock Island, IL
2019-Current: Rock Island City Arts Commission
Education
2005: B.A. Anthropology, Albion College, Albion, Michigan
artbyamberwilliams@gmail.com