Firstly, Thank You Amy, for catching my 10,000th page view on 31st July 2007!

I spotted Amy's intriguing artwork relatively recently via someone else's journal where one of her pictures was featured, and I was immediately captivated by the intricacies and the almost unending formations that I could see within them - even things that she had not seen herself! As with some types of fractal-art, one needs to spend time to sit and gaze, and just allow the eye to be led around the images, to take in the rich colors and to imagine... Yes, imagination is a strong key, I believe, to being able to find full meaning to all that there is within them. I'll say no more but leave you to come to your own conclusions, but do visit her gallery here and enjoy the experience!

The Interview

1. How long have you been doing art?

Since I could pick up a pen. When I was little I particularly liked making gift cards for people and craft projects. My more serious interest really developed when I met my art teacher in my last two years of high school. He taught me sculpture and encouraged me in ways I had not experienced up till that point, so my work developed three dimensionally over the following few years.

2. What got you started?

I remember my mum going to sketch classes when I was very little and I was very intrigued by her sketch pads and pastels that lay around her study. Her major influence on me was music though, and she taught me the violin from the age of three.

3. Do you have any formal training either as a traditional artist or in digital art?

I do, though it has little bearing on what I do these days. After finishing school I went to Edinburgh Art College to study Fine Art, specializing in (conceptual) sculpture. I started to paint when I was traveling in Indonesia and China and since returning home I've exhibited my paintings locally in Scotland.

4. What software do you normally use for editing or preparing your art for upload?

Photoshop, to correct colours from the scans, add borders etc.

5. Do you have a preference for the type of picture you like to create?

Anything that takes my fancy the day I pick my brushes up. I particularly enjoy painting abstract imaginative magical windows onto other worlds.

6. Can you give a brief overview of your technique?

Generally, I work on paper in water, acrylics, paint, inks and gold pens.

7. What sort of things inspire your artwork?

My mood, imagination, dreams, my loves, sunshine, trees, the landscape and the things that surround me, to name but a few.

8. Do you have any advice for aspiring artists?

Explore your imagination thoroughly then explore your chosen medium with passion and an open mind. Be obsessive and find your individual inner creativity that inspires you. Do not let borders restrict you.

9. Do you have any future plans for diversifying your artwork?

Well I just bought myself a really nice camera for my birthday so I intend to continue painting and take better photos more frequently. So that kind of answers your question.

10. Is there anything else you'd like to add about what you do? (Feel free to give links etc. where appropriate!)

Discovering the dA community has been an amazing experience. All the people I’ve met, dear friends I’ve made and the constant barrage of wonderful art has provided me with an amazing focus for motivation and a wonderful source of inspiration, encouragement and support. I absolutely love making art and painting. Long live freedom and deviantArt.

Here are just a few examples of Amy's art from her gallery...

A Particular Point of Interest

Click on - a captivating photo in itself, but then click on the link provided to see something that is truly intriguing...

ENJOY your experiences with Amy Hooton - and enjoy her photography too!