AMBER LOOMIS

My work is a type of therapy for me. I step outside of my comfort zone, am vulnerable, and make images that tell my story. I use my work to share my personal experiences with domestic violence, self-harm, mental health, and to relate to others through the process of recovery. I work through the hurdles in my life using art because it allows me to make a physical representation of ideas that I cannot always put into words. My pieces are meant to voice my experiences while creating a sense of confidence for others to do the same. To have a physical representation of my emotions is extremely therapeutic and creates an opportunity for conversation.

My work creates connections between everyday objects and trauma. I am interested in how my mind makes associations with certain triggering objects, and investigate what kinds of objects create those associations for others. I have been exploring the relationship between innocence and awareness within the realms of addiction and domestic violence. Many of my pieces begin examining these issues from an innocent or childlike perspective. The pieces evolve as I dive into my levels of personal awareness while experiencing these events.

I use vibrant colors because I connect them with stories and fables from my childhood. The bright colors and peaceful scenery are viewed alongside more contrasting images of sharp, or dangerous tools. This contrast creates the illusion of looking at these everyday objects as monster-like creatures. Many of my pieces are set up as compositions within circles. I have always been intrigued by how different it is to look at a circular object than a square or rectangle. Circles demand attention and draw viewers to a focal point instead of letting the mind divide into quadrants. Circles also represent cycles which I use to express emotional timelines in my work. In some instances, I like when the circles act as a portal or peephole into a personal story. My work is not meant to preach or act like an overarching explanation of trauma, it is an outlet for my experiences. I make my art and let people peer into my story because I believe in the benefits of meaningful conversation.


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"In My Memory" Shibori, gouache, and stitching on muslin fabric - 18 x 24 in

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"Can’t Drown My Demons" Dye, textile paints, and stitching on muslin fabric - 30.5 x 28.5 in

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"Stitched" Dye, shibori, textile paints, and color removal on cotton fabric - 34 x 26 in

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"Out of the Cracks" Watercolor and colored pencil on paper - 36 x 24 in

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"Wallflower Part 1 & Wallflower Part 2" Textile paint on muslin fabric - 29 x 18 in

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"Recovery (Fabric)" Silk painting, shibori dyeing, and color removal on cotton fabric and silk - 29.5 in diameter

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"The Aftermath" Needle felting – 14 in diameter

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"The Only Way Out is Through" Dye, textile paints, and stitching on canvas-8 in - 9.5 x 12.5 x 16 in

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"Silenced" Shibori dyeing on rayon fabric - 30 x 20 in

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"Recovery (Drawing)" Watercolor and colored pencil on paper - 37 x 25 in

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"Omelet" Dye, textile paints, and wood on muslin fabric – 79 x 25 in

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"Don't Play with Razors" Needle felting - 10 x 10 x 19 in

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"Long Term Effects" Dye, textile paints, and stitching on muslin fabric - 24.5 in diameter

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"Don't Forget Your Meds" Colograph Print – 9 x 12 in

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"Covered Up" Etching – 9 x 12 in

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"Snow Moon" Silk Painting – 16 x 36 in

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"Patchwork Tree" Acrylic on Canvas – 16 x 20 in