Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Star Aubrey.
Hi Amber Star, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was diagnosed with cancer in 2018 and was stuck at home for months. I call that period my cancer vacation, because I spent every day painting! I went to Michael’s and got some watercolors and just started painting my way through the Bible. The next year, when I was able to work, by boss bought me an apple pencil, which opened up a whole new world of digital art. I draw all the time, no matter where I am.
Since I work at a church, it wasn’t a hard sell to be allowed to turn my art into postcards that we send out to members who need encouragement or just a smile. I now sell those. This year I published two books: Draw Near to God – A Coloring Book, and Draw Near to God – A Devotional. You can find them on Amazon. I hope to continue the series.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The art itself actually made some incredibly difficult portions of my journey smoother. As I mentioned earlier, I started down this road when I had cancer. Painting my faith and joy was a balm to my soul. And then realizing I could use those creations to encourage others during their own struggles – that made it even better. I do still struggle on the social media side of things – I don’t post regularly at all. I’d rather be drawing!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I love bright, happy colors, and that definitely shows itself in my art and decorating style. My style is whimsical and colorful. I aim to encourage with each piece I create. What sets me apart from other is I try to use a Bible verse or encouraging statement in each of my pieces. I’m proud of the fact that I didn’t let people who told me my art looked like something a kid would do discourage me or change my style. My art is happy art, and I’m ok with that.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me? Living a life worthy of the God who calls me. That’s why I want my art to bring joy and encourage other people. These cards – they’re something tangible people can hold on to, a visible reminder that they are loved. I had multiple surgeries during my Cancer Vacation, and I’d always bring a stack of cards to hand out to anyone who came into my hospital room. Everyone got one – cleaning people, nurses, food delivery people. I even had a nurse come in one night asking if mine was the room where she could get a pretty card. She had seen them hanging on the lockers in their changing room. We had a great talk, and she ended up crying by my bed, admitting she just wanted to be useful to God. Recently I was having a biopsy done, and I gave a stack to the lady who was taking my blood pressure. She started crying and told me she needed that. She had just found out she had failed her nursing test and felt God was giving her a hug when I handed her my gift. Then she went out to the area all of her co-workers were and shouted, “Ya’ll can’t tell me God’s not real!” The Lord has used my cards and stickers to initiate so many heart-conversations. So what matters most? Using this gift He’s given me to comfort others.
Pricing:
- Draw Near to God Coloring Book – $9.99 – Available on Amazon
- Draw Near to God Devotional – $10.99 – Available on Amazon
- Cards – $1.00 each
- Stickers – $2.00 each
- For cards and stickers, email amberstarart@yahoo.com
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amber.star.art/
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/amber.aubrey.71
- Other: https://a.co/d/7PQPgxd and https://a.co/d/ilOU3wO (Amazon links)
Image Credits
Amber Aubrey, Jacinda Shanks
