New York based artist, Amber Vittoria is the cover artist for our new contemporary arts directory, Curatorial Volume.1. We spoke to Amber about her feminist influences and inspiration
Where did your relationship with art begin?
I began drawing at a young age, was fortunate that my parents saw my love of art before I did, and I started to take painting, drawing, and art classes of the like both inside and out of school.
How did you start your career as an artist? Did you study in New York City prior to establishing your practice there?
Before moving to New York City, I attended school at Boston University’s College of Fine Arts. I started to freelance while in school, but I began practicing illustration more heavily after graduating and moving to New York.
Amber Vittoria, Illustration for New York Times Magazine
Many of the figures in your work feature physical traits such a body hair, overtly extended limbs and rounded features - what is this in response to, and could you elaborate further?
My work focuses on femininity and the female form; aimin to break tropes and stereotypes societally set upon women both physically and emotionally. Through these traits, my goal is to share the depiction of a woman through a woman’s perspective.
As you are a feminist artist living and working in New York City, when learning about your work I couldn’t help but also think of the Guerrilla Girls art movement. What message are you seeking to convey though your work?
I love their work! My aim is to use my work as a tool to change the systemic perception of women.
Amber Vittoria, Of The Earth.
What is the most rewarding and most challenging thing about being an artist?
For both, the ability to share an honest perspective.
What is inspiring your current work?
My work is inspired by women in my life, women I read about, and women I pass by in New York City.
Amber Vittoria, Are You Happy With Yourself.
How do you see your work developing moving forward?
I’ve recently pivoted to working in a more painterly fashion (both digitally and by hand), and I’m excited to see where that takes me!
If you could give your past self any advice, what would it be?
It’s okay to not always love the work you make, but making that work is necessary.
Amber Vittoria, Gucci.
What other artist’s work are you enjoying at the moment?
I love India K, Isabelle Feliu, and Joy Miessi.
What can we look forward to seeing from you next?
I have a few lovely product collaborations launching soon, stay tuned!
To find out more about Amber Vittoria, please visit: ambervittoria.com
