AMY WAY
What Changed Me?
My name is Amy, and I grew up moving between China and Canada. Although I’ve always had a passion for traditional mediums like oils, watercolors, and gouache, I only fully committed to art in the last year and a half. My love for creating started at a young age when I asked my mom to draw Bambi for me, which sparked my realization that I, too, could create something with my hands.
The moment I decided to drop out of school, just three courses away from graduating was a significant turning point. I realized I didn’t want to work in the corporate world or pursue professions like law or medicine. Instead, my true passion lay in creating art. It became clear that a degree wouldn’t enhance my art skills, leading me to question my presence in school.
Covid significantly impacted my life as well. While many experienced isolation, it slowed life down for me, allowing me to appreciate the blooming flowers, the summer breeze, and the present moment. During this time, I began visiting a coffee shop daily, where I made friends with older regulars. They included me in gatherings and offered valuable advice, fostering a sense of community that I had never felt before.
Starting my first full-time job marked another important moment in my journey. Committing to a position and realizing how much of my time it consumed made me crave an escape, prompting a return to my art. I also co-founded a brand with a friend, but when he faced a mental breakdown, it highlighted the complexities of involving others in business. This experience forced me to consider whether I wanted to collaborate or work independently.
As an artist, I believe we have a social duty to enlighten others and spread awareness.
Our unique perspective on the world gives us the
responsibility to convey messages through our art.
I’m continually inspired by people and their stories, which is why I focus on portraits. Each portrait feels like an opportunity to communicate a feeling to the viewer, capturing the essence of the subject.
I’m always evolving as an artist, aspiring to explore styles like expressionism and political art. I admire artists like Ai Weiwei, whose work carries powerful political messages and inspires courage. His ability to speak out through art has left a lasting impact on me.
Through job-hopping and various experiences, I’ve learned more about myself—what I like, what I don’t like, and my values. I used to think I was lucky because things always seemed to work out, but I’m now realizing that hard work is essential to achieving my goals. On a personal level, I’ve had to navigate relationships, particularly during a time when I sought validation and security from men. While I’ve dated successful individuals, I learned that even those who appear to have it all together face their own struggles.
This realization taught me not to idealize others, as the glossy
images we see rarely reflect the full reality of their lives.
Looking ahead, I hope to experiment with new forms of art, such as sculpture and installations. I’ve primarily focused on portraits, starting with black-and-white ballpoint pen drawings before experimenting with colour. Initially intimidated by painting, I eased into it with Studio Ghibli scenes. However, I eventually realized my true passion was in portraits. Sometimes, I wonder if I avoid painting portraits out of fear of the challenge, leading me to draw more.
Surprisingly, I haven’t encountered a project that felt overwhelmingly challenging, which makes me think I’ve stayed in my comfort zone. There are moments when the process becomes frustrating, particularly when self-doubt creeps in. Trusting the process can be hard, and when that happens, I often start over, breaking the task into smaller steps to identify what’s not working and how I can improve.
In the future, I want to refine my skills in oil painting, especially with portraits. I’m still on a journey of self-discovery, constantly questioning what truly makes me happy as an artist. Would I enjoy creating full-time? Would I be content doing commissions?
The path isn’t always clear, but I know that part of the process involves learning more about myself and how I want my art to impact the world. I envision creating larger, more impactful works—whether through installations or paintings that make a statement.
For those new to art or hesitant to begin, I understand the fear. I’ve experienced it myself. The key is to manage that fear by breaking tasks into smaller, actionable steps. It helps to identify the root of your fear—whether you worry your work won’t be perfect or fear failing. Once you pinpoint the cause, set small, manageable goals.
Focus on simply holding the pen or brush and creating something;
that alone is a victory.
When I encounter creative blocks, I take breaks and step away from the canvas. I go for walks, listen to the sound of water or leaves rustling, visit coffee shops to people-watch or watch the sunset in a park. Noticing the blooming flowers in my neighbourhood can spark inspiration. Sometimes, I experiment with different forms of art, like photography or screen printing. I believe that everything I experience eventually finds its way into my work, shaping my artistic voice as I continue to learn and grow.
“Everything you do will integrate into your own art; it’s what makes you, YOU.”
Explore Amy’s artwork @amyway.art
