Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber L. Stidham.
Amber, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I was born in the small town of Madison, Georgia and moved to LaGrange, Georgia at age 11. After graduating from Troup High School, I received a BFA in 2006 from The University of West Georgia in Carrolton, Georgia. My husband John and I live in Newnan, GA with my son Tucker, where I currently work as a studio artist and graphic designer.
Along with numerous juried exhibitions and joint shows, I served on the LaGrange Art Museum Executive Board of Directors 2010-2012. I volunteered as an art instructor at West Georgia Cancer Clinic 2010-2013 where I planned and implemented 2 community-wide art projects “Body Works” and “Connections”.
In college, I was more focused on making mixed media art which lead to more sculptural pieces. I produced a body of work using three-dimensional busts on canvas. Later, I would work with patients at the local hospital and use this body of work to help them express themselves through visual art.
Currently, I am working on a series of portraits honoring empowered women. This is a topic near and dear to my heart. Each of the portraits will be women I know and admire.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
All artists learn from challenges and need them to grow into better artists, I am no different. I use to struggle with drawing faces and people. It has taken many years to become the artist I am today.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Amber L. Stidham, Artist and Designer story. Tell us more about the business.
Before college, I was trained in vector art in a position I held at a local textile plant. This was ultimately the foundation that began my career in graphic arts. I have found that my art and graphics abilities go hand in hand and make me a more versatile professional artist.
Along with graphic art, I also provide web design, social media management and illustration services. I enjoy working on projects that implement original art in their branding and marketing efforts.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I was very fortunate to have amazing art/career mentors at different times in my life. Heather Pashcal introduced me to graphic design, Deborah Santini was the professor that got me excited about being an artist, Tim Tauntum gave me the freedom to further explore 3D design , Meg van der Kruik pushed me to come out of my shell and be a more independent and confident artist, Todd van der Kruik taught me web design and also pushed me to be a better designer and Vickie Brown has been a wonderful friend and mentor.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.amberleahart.com/
- Email: amberleahstidham@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leah.art.create/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FreedomARTDesigns/
Image Credit:
Elizabeth Roses Photography, MUA Carly McGuffey
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