Interview: Amber Alexander

Amber was one of our lovely contributors for our PikaPackage Project, where she sent in her watercolour prints and cards. This interview was done some time ago, but I never did get around to putting it up, until now {sorry Amber!}.

Enjoy!

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Name: Amber Alexander
Location: Middlesex, Vermont
Website/Shop: amberalexander.etsy.com
Blog: no blog yet!
Illustration media: watercolors, acrylics

Tell us a little more about yourself.
I live in Vermont, which is a little state in New England, USA. Some refer to it as “next to New York”. It’s considered the “Green Mountain Street” and we are surrounded by beautiful mountains. I live with my husband and two insane standard poodles, Olin and Izzy ( brother and sister) who are just over a year old. We live on 5 acres in the country in a house we had built a few years ago. It’s beautiful here… if you can stand the 6 month long winters…
We adore trees and nature. We are tree-aholics and are constantly collecting and planting new trees every summer. 🙂
Soon, we’ll have an arboretum!

How did you get your start in illustration?
I’ve always loved to draw. I remember in high school getting very excited to get a new sketch book and the possibility in a blank white page! When I was very little, I drew lots of kitties in clothes. The kitties are back, and they are (again) clothed ! I worked for a while at a teddy bear company but grew tired of drawing only stuffed bears. 🙂

What’s your favourite tool?
A watercolor brush, and water, of course 😉 I love being able to make the water and pigments move around the paper and take on a new life.

Are you a full-time artist?
No, right now I am also employed as a paralegal (snore) which will hopefully soon end so I have plenty of time to PAINT MORE!

What or who inspires you?
In short, nature. The long answer: animals, trees, wind, water.
I am a true animal lover, through and through. Beatrix Potter and Maurice Sendak inspired me as a child and still do. I’ve always loved animals, loved drawing animals, loved painting animals. Finding human qualities, quirks, personalities in animals also inspires me.
I imagine animals having full lives, with little houses, doing housework, expressing jealousy, (like my two standard poodles, who are siblings and compete with each other constantly for our affection).
My family and all the amazing people I’ve met selling my artwork also inspire me. I’m happy and honored to have people all around the world who can relate to, and enjoy my art.

What keeps you motivated?
People. Good, honest, supportive people. People who love art, people who love animals, people who appreciate the work and energy that goes into creating. I’m constantly thrilled and happy to meet new people who love and support ART.

What advice would you like to give people who would like to sell their works online?
Be persistent. Stay focused. Try not to let negative thoughts take over.
Put yourself out there.
Create what you love, “do what you love”.. and people will find you. Corny but true. Nothing is instant, but if you are inspired and being true to yourself, others will see it.

Where do you see yourself within the next few years?
Painting more, creating more and growing!

What message do you want to send out to people about your work?
Respect and appreciate animals. They are amazing creatures. They have lives that matter. Respect and appreciate Art, and of course, respect and appreciate people!

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Thanks, Amber! 🙂

If you missed our earlier interviews, see here for other wonderful artists that we have profiled so far.