Amber's artistic journey is a testament to resilience, using passion and creativity as the undertow carrying her through life's twists and turns. Originally from Chicago, she drew inspiration during her early years under the caring influence of her artistic grandmother, Lani. Though her childhood was marked by constant moves, setbacks, and challenges, her persistence and artistic spirit never wavered.

 

Her family relocated several times through different states, including Ohio and Texas, and at 17 she fled her mother’s home to move in with her father in Nevada. There she finished high school and went on to enroll at the Art Institute of Las Vegas. Initially she majored in Interior Design before switching her major to Graphic Design. Unfortunately her pursuit for higher education was cut short after a car accident forced her to drop out. This detour led her into nightlife promotions and a career as a cocktail waitress. Amber's desire to pursue her art was rekindled after a trip to Barcelona where she fell in love with the work of Antoni Gaudi, particularly his mosaics. She was reminded of her first mosaic which she made as a child using dyed eggshells. This wave of inspiration led to her first art show at The Bellagio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Though she only showed a handful of drawings it was at this time she recognized she needed to finish her education in order to move forward.

 

Amber's dreams of becoming an artist led her to San Francisco, but her journey was marred by her father's passing due to alcoholism. After several years, Amber's determination led her to The California Institute of Integral Studies, where she realized her artistic potential while studying other subjects. For one of her final projects she created a mosaic, this time of Nelson Mandela, after learning of the apartheid in Southern Africa. The mosaic was made using discarded room keys which she collected while waitressing at a hotel. Upon graduating, Amber was involved in a motorcycle accident, yet her dedication to her craft remained unwavering. Through these trials, she learned the value of perseverance and the power of art as a source of healing and expression. 

 

In 2019 she took a year off to travel, discovering a newfound sense of freedom and inspiration. During this time, she created another mosaic, shifting her focus to celebrating the contributions of women in music. The impact of COVID-19 actually gave Amber the freedom for her artistic awakening. She finished two more pieces and in 2022, established her studio, marking a new chapter in her artistic evolution. Today, she continues to create and explore her artistic voice, recently showcasing her work at the Swag Art Exhibition, where she celebrated June Millington, of the band Fanny. She is currently in the process of creating smaller more affordable pieces working with textiles. Amber's work continues to inspire. Her art is a reflection of her life's journey, capturing the strength and creativity that have carried her through adversity.