Born on August third, 1984 in St. Paul Minnesota Amber Michelle Russell is a self-taught artist that specializes in emotionally captivating paintings which challenge the viewers appreciation for the atramentous side of beauty. Amber combines a unique blend of watercolor, coffee, and ink while focusing on fine details within the face and eyes. Amber’s work has been showcased in galleries throughout the United States, including display in Europe.
“Functioning without art as a constant in my life would be like living without water. I would become lifeless.”- Amber Michelle Russell.
Artist statement:
I am a self-taught artist originally from St. Paul Minnesota and currently based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Most well-known for creating intense and emotional works of art. I specialize in mixed-media female portraits that incorporate coffee, ink, and watercolor. Although I had my first art exhibit at Foster Art Gallery on the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire campus at the age of eleven. Most recent exhibits include the 2018 exhibition “Mercy” at Cactus gallery in Los Angeles, California and the 2018 group exhibition “Spark! 2018” at Resobox Gallery in NYC, NY.
I started drawing when I was three years old. Other children played outside; I played in my sketchbook. During adolescence I realized that engaging in the creative process had supported and sustained me through some darker life experiences, and it continues to do so. For me, making art is emotional therapy. I get lost in the creative process and am able to exist in the present moment where I am able to explore and contemplate the darker aspects of life in a constructive way. Artistic influences include Francis Bacon and Zdzislaw Beksinki.
Art enables me to express what I feel inside, with great attention to detail. In addition to coffee, ink and watercolor, I am exploring acrylic as a medium—I find the way that it bleeds into the coffee unique and beautiful. Currently, I am incorporating acrylics into my work and am thoroughly enjoying expanding my creative boundaries by playing with texture.
