Bold and colorful not only describe Amy Carlisle’s art but her personality and life as well. Amy moves through life the same way she paints: passionately, purposefully, and joyfully. Mixing bold color with exuberant scenes, she continues to build an eclectic collection of artwork that doesn't fit a mold -- and doesn't need to.
Amy can paint a vibrant city street as easily as the African plains, a humble church gathering followed by a boisterous jazz bar. She paints the world as she sees it: full of life, energy and community. Perhaps this versatility stems from a childhood richly influenced by an adventurous and artistic grandmother who was based in Mississippi but travelled extensively, sketching her journeys along the way. While inspired by other artists like Walter Anderson, Clementine Hunter, and her own mother, Amy cites the enthusiastic Grandma Dot as a primary source of artistic inspiration--and her missing the smell of a cigarette! In nostalgic moments, Amy will even recreate a piece of Dot's work. It is a rare and sacred thing, indeed, to behold a grandmother's sketch take on new life at the easel of her grandchild.
While Amy has painted and sung her way through Mississippi and Tennessee, she only recently picked the brush up in earnest to fulfill a need to carry on the Family's artistic tradition and to handle the trials of parenting. Raising four rambunctious children and two dogs with her devoted husband Chuck, with whom she often collaborates, she is supported by a community of dear friends. What began as a healing moment -- painting on her back porch for a moment's peace--has taken flight into a vibrant, fresh, rejuvenating collection of artwork. A portion of proceeds from each Amy Carlisle painting is donated to a foundation helping families in need in Memphis.
"I’m not afraid to be molded, but I also trust the process of breaking a mold. This is art - not to be right, but to be real." - Amy Sartin Carlisle