Tag Archives: Amy Guidry

Paintings

New work: “Sequence”

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"Sequence" by Amy Guidry; acrylic on canvas; 6"w x 12"h; (c) Amy Guidry 2011; SOLD

At last, I have finally finished another painting from the “In Our Veins” series.  I’m always looking for ways to improve, no matter how big or small, so I really focused on the textures in this piece.  Though you can’t really tell here, so be sure to go to my website for a better look, in addition to a zoom-in feature (the magnifying glass icon on the top right)- www.AmyGuidry.com/sequence.html.  The title is “Sequence” and it is an acrylic on canvas, 6″ wide by 12″ high.

Much of this series, as stated in my artist statement (which is posted on my website), deals with the life cycle so the title is in reference to that process.  Both life and death are represented, new life- plants, animals- are seen building upon each other, one leading to the next, which is also why I opted for a long, vertical composition.  The animals I chose follow, for the most part, a hierarchy of sorts as seen in nature.  Though it may be odd for a vegan to discuss this, but the animals depicted follow each other in the food chain (side note- as a vegan, I realize this is a fact of life, however I have a choice when it comes to what I eat).  The roses were an almost subconscious choice at first, but seemed appropriate for the piece given that we use roses to celebrate life as well as to honor those that have passed.

Art Help & Info

Eureka

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Clearly an old pic from when I dyed my hair dark- working on "Food or Pet?"

One of the more popular questions I’ve been answering in interviews as of late (in one form or another) is “why do you create art?”  Which I’ve always felt it would be easier to ask me why I breathe… so I would end up giving a response that would in so many words say it is innate.  Which is true, of course, but not the in-depth answer they’re looking for.  So I’ve been considering this question and have come up with an answer (or at least a good metaphor).  When I am looking to create, I think the process is much like that of an archaeologist, or an inventor, or a scientist looking to make the next medical breakthrough.  Since I’ve seen enough National Geographic and Jurassic Park to have a better understanding of archaeology, I’m going to use that as my basis.  So I’m basically going on a dig- in search of ideas which are hidden well within my mind.  When I come up with an idea or a concept, I rush to quickly get it down on paper- it’s like making a new discovery.  Though sometimes I don’t always find what I set out to look for- it may be something else, but just as exciting.  Once I hit something, I keep digging to reveal more (in my case, rapidly sketching everything before I forget).  Once I’ve exhausted that area, I continue my search elsewhere to find any missing pieces or something entirely new, going in any and all directions.  One idea leading to another, or maybe a slight variation of an idea, upon another variation and another, so on and so forth- the possibilities are endless.

Once I’ve made this discovery, I want to share it with the world.  But it has to be presented properly (presentation is everything- they weren’t kidding)).  An archaeologist wouldn’t just reveal a dirty pile of bones- they have to be cleaned, refined, and put back together.  So my work has to be “cleaned” and refined as well, put together to make a whole.  It takes time, effort, technique, attention to detail, and maybe even trial and error.  It has to be pristine and professionally presented for the proper unveiling.

Going back to my original answer, it is innate, and as basic as it is, that may be the best explanation.  However, maybe this comparison and the explanation of the creative process (at least for me) serves as a good answer in itself.  The excitement of a new discovery- who wouldn’t find that addicting?

See the results of my “discoveries” at www.AmyGuidry.com

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"Jay II" by Amy Guidry; acrylic on canvas; Private Collection; (c) Amy Guidry

And another painting from my “New Realm” series has found a new home.  This piece is from my smaller, 5″ x 5″ ‘sub-series’ which are almost entirely sold out.  Only a few left, which is crazy to think since there were so many to begin with.  This piece is titled “Jay II” and is an acrylic on canvas from 2009.  (The original “Jay” painting from the year prior sold at that time.)  I exhibited this painting in an auction in which part of the sales would benefit Virtues of Acadiana, a local organization whose mission is to “instill virtues while facilitating the academic, socio-cultural, and professional development of Acadiana’s youth.”

To view more of my work, including the (remaining) available “New Realm” 5″ x 5″ paintings, visit my website at www.AmyGuidry.com.

 

Press

New Interview

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"The Pack" by Amy Guidry; acrylic on canvas; 20"w x 10"h; (c) Amy Guidry

I did an interview for Meaning-full recently and it is currently posted online!  For those of you that don’t know me personally, this interview gives a little more insight into my work, my process, as well as a little more about me.  And there are lots of images, so be sure to check out the second page of the post in order to read the interview.  Just go to http://meaning-full.com/05/meaning-full/painting-amy-guidry/.

There’s also a link to my site from the interview, but in case you don’t know, my work can be found at www.AmyGuidry.com.

 

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"Introspective" by Amy Guidry; acrylic on canvas; 40"w x 30"h; (c) Amy Guidry 2011

Another painting from my New Realm series has a new home. I really love to share my work with people, especially people that I know. It’s a great feeling to know that something so personal to you is enjoyed by others. I remember when I first started to show my work (out of school), I was so self-conscious and afraid because it was work that I not only created on my own, with no guidance or “approval” by a professor, but also because I felt so exposed. My first show was a juried exhibit (talk about fear!). Most people there ignored me and visibly did not seem to like my painting, but I received 2nd place (obviously one person liked it) and I was so relieved and surprised, but it was enough to help spur me along. Which is how I’ve gotten where I am today.

So now “Introspective” is being enjoyed and shared with others. It’s such a good feeling- and that’s what keeps me going. It’s amazing how much we can accomplish when just one person gives us the encouragement.

www.AmyGuidry.com

My Exhibitions

VACI

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"Renewal" by Amy Guidry; acrylic on canvas; (c) Amy Guidry 2011

I’ve received more good news recently- my work was selected for inclusion in the 54th Annual Exhibition of Contemporary Art at the VACI (Visual Arts at Chautauqua Institution). The juror for the exhibit is Jim Kempner of the Jim Kempner Gallery in New York City. My painting “Renewal” from my New Realm series was selected and it is an acrylic on canvas, 48″ wide by 24″ high. The exhibition will take place in the Strohl Art Center of the Visual Arts at Chautauqua Institution in Chautauqua, New York. There will be an opening reception held on Sunday, June 26th from 3-5pm. The exhibit will remain on display through July 14, 2011.

To view more of my work, visit my website at www.AmyGuidry.com.

Press

Louisiana Review

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The Louisiana Review, Volume 9, Spring 2011 edition

I recently received a request to publish some of my work from my “New Realm” series in the LSUE journal, The Louisiana Review. I’m excited to announce that the issue is out and features “The Red Dress” and “Dreaming.” Both of which are in private collections, but it’s nice to have an opportunity to still feature them in print. The Louisiana Review is published by the Division of Liberal Arts, Louisiana State University at Eunice. It features art, poetry, and literature predominantly from Louisiana and Southern artists. Look for my work in the Spring 2011 edition, Volume 9, available online now.

To view more of my work, also visit my online gallery at www.AmyGuidry.com

Press

BAP Quarterly

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"Symbiotic" by Amy Guidry; acrylic on canvas; 11"w x 14"h; (c) Amy Guidry 2011

So excited- I came across some good news just after it was announced (apparently I was on the web at the right time…). I have been selected as one of the artists to be featured in the Brooklyn Art Project’s BAP Quarterly #1. This is their first full-color publication and will be out this summer. Featured on the left is one of my paintings to be included- “Symbiotic.” “The Wild West” has been selected as well, so my excitement is doubled. The publication was guest-curated by Samantha Levin (Anagnorisis Fine Arts, Curator for White Rabbit, NYC).  100 artists have been selected, including some of my personal faves- Carrie Ann Baade and Caitlin Hackett.

For more information and a list of the 100 artists to be featured, visit http://blog.brooklynartproject.com/2011/05/100-artists-selected-for-brooklyn-art-project-quarterly-1/. And to view more of my own work, visit my website at www.AmyGuidry.com.

 

Paintings, Sold

New painting

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“Heads II” by Amy Guidry; 12″ x 12″; acrylic on canvas;  Sold; (c) Amy Guidry 2011

My latest piece is now finished and online! I had some back problems to slow me down a bit, but managed to pull through. This is the most recent addition to my “In Our Veins” series. It is a 12″ x 12″ painting, acrylic on canvas, titled “Heads II.” It is related to a previous painting- “Untitled (Heads).” I recently discussed this one and wanted to share my thoughts behind it. The concept behind this piece, as with several of my paintings, is that of humans viewing nature as a means to an end. We view animals as pieces and parts- head, tongue, rump, rear, breast, wing, etc. If they are not referred to as parts, they are named something other than what they are- chickens are poultry, pigs are pork, cows are beef, etc. They are no longer acknowledged as animals, but as food. Others are treated as trophies to hang on a wall, or turned into “luxury items” to wear or carry things in. I see animals as sentient beings- living, breathing, thinking, with offspring of their own to care for.

While humans typically treat their fellow members of the animal kingdom as a means to an end, I depict them with personalities, or what others arrogantly deem as “human” qualities (as if only humans can express emotions). For instance, many of the animals I paint have eyes that appear “human,” in that you see the whites of the eyes, or they have lighter colored eyes and not large, dark doe eyes as typically associated with animals. Some animals are positioned in a dominant stance or their facial expression is calm and serene- again, qualities typically associated with only humans. In this painting, the animals are confident and staring directly at the viewer, demanding attention and acknowledgement.

For a larger view (much larger, thanks to my recent website redesign), visit the following link: www.AmyGuidry.com/Heads_II.html

My Exhibitions

549 Exhibit

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The group exhibition at Gallery 549 featuring some of my latest paintings is coming down this week. I have a few photos to share from the opening reception and there are even more on my (newly redesigned!) website at this direct link- www.amyguidry.com/events.html (Go to the album at the top left). So now I am gearing up for my next show which will be in Austin at Wally Workman Gallery. More details on that closer to time. In the meantime, check out the photos!