Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy VanHoy.
Hi Amy, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have always been interested in art. In fact, it was my first-grade art teacher that originally noticed I had talent. He encouraged my parents to put me into private art lessons, and I am so thankful they listened! I had the pleasure of working with so many wonderful artists and teachers growing up. In college, I studied both Marketing and Studio Art at The University of Texas at Austin. After college, I ended up jumping into a business role and doing art in my spare time. It wasn’t until my husband and I had our son, Jack, that I made the decision to leave the business world and pursue art and motherhood full time.
It has been so great to have the time to dedicate to my art practice. I truly feel like I’m learning and growing every day! I have to tell myself to be patient – progress takes time. Furthermore, keeping a baby can be quite demanding! I joke that my son is my new boss. And let me tell you, he is the most demanding boss I have ever had!
Overall, I’m so thankful to have a supportive husband that encourages me to fully explore this passion. It has been really exciting to expand my reach and get my work into more and more homes and businesses. I truly believe art is transformative and really has the capacity to set the tone for your home. As such, I feel very fortunate to have my work in the world.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
For me, learning how to be patient and balance being a full-time mom, wife and artist has been learning. There is always so much I could be doing to try to grow my business. Truthfully, one of my biggest struggles can be comparing myself to others. I can easily scroll through Instagram and think, “How can they get so much accomplished? How is she doing it all?”
What I am slowly learning is that I need to be faithful where the Lord has called me and keep the first things first in my life. I am on my own path and that is a good place to be. Some days, I feel like superwoman, and some days, the fact that I have kept my son fed feels like a major accomplishment. I can easily look to put my worth or value into how well my last email campaign performed, or how many commissions I am working on at the moment. Instead, I think the proper shift is to enjoy each day for what it is – a gift. It’s the present, and we never get it back! So, if that means things move a little more slowly, I think I can make peace with that. 🙂
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I like to be surprised in the studio. A good plan is a wonderful starting point, but it is the unexpected shapes and interplays between marks and colors that excite me. There is a playful element to my work and a sense of freedom. Sometimes, I refine my subject matter, and other times, I’m motivated purely by the freedom of abstract art. My surfaces are my own playgrounds, inviting me to experiment, imagine, and let the cares of the day melt away one brushstroke at a time. I’d like to say art is a cheap therapist, but let’s be honest, stocking up on art supplies costs a pretty penny!
On a practical level, I think people especially like to work with me for commissions because I have such a wide range of types of paintings I can produce. I have done landscapes, florals, non-objective abstract work – you name it! For me, it really is the process of creating art and the materiality of paint that I absolutely love.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I am an extremely messy painter. It is not uncommon for me to have paint in my hair, all over my hands, and even my feet after a painting session. I see all these artists with their cute painting garbs and really wonder how they are able to stay so clean! I don’t even fully trust an apron – somehow, I can manage to get paint on the few areas not covered by said apron. I also love to listen to what my husband deems “hippie music” while I work. It really makes everything more fun!
Pricing:
- Typically for commissions, my prices are $1 per square inch, so a 20×20 painting would be $400
Contact Info:
- Website: www.amyvanhoy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amy.vanhoy/
- Other: https://shopdocent.com/pages/amy-vanhoy
Image Credits
Hannah DeHart, Amato Photography
