AMM Artist Spotlight: Amy Rader

Miles K. Neiman interviews Amy Rader

Miles Neiman: How do you describe your art?

Amy Rader: My multimedia artwork is often inspired by nature and the female form…familiar yet reimagined. The butterfly face series that I’m known for is artistically engineered by combining acrylic paint, minerals, preserved butterflies, resin and LED light. I am drawn to unconventional materials that are intricately layered. Like fashion or music, art should tell a story. I want my narrative approach to feel like a glamorous vision that blends symbolic elements from nature in unexpected ways.

MN: What continue to be your biggest inspirations on your journey?

AR: My inspirations come from fashion designers like Alexander McQueen. His style and performance art fashion shows made him a legend in my eyes. You can see this inspiration in my frequently use of the female form adorned with butterflies and feathers. Provocative wilderness is a common theme in my work.

MN: What were some of the biggest hurdles that you had to overcome on your path?

AR: Born in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, I then moved to another small town during my high school years. I found that my biggest hurdle was finding examples or mentors in the visual arts. I always knew deep in my soul that I was destined to be an artist, the challenge was figuring out how. It is a blessing and curse to be on this creative journey without directions. My way of overcoming was to become self-taught, resourceful and goal oriented.

MN: What were some of your defining moments early in your career?

AR: Being awarded a full scholarship to The Art Institute of Atlanta then graduating with the Best Portfolio Award helped create a foundation. Being selected to represent Tesla and Microsoft at Art Basel Miami for one of my first shows gave me further confidence.

MN: What continues to be a greatest challenge as a business woman in this field?

AR: Being an artist is a multi-dimensional endeavor — artistic vision, self-motivation and marketing. Marketing and making the right connections can be the most challenging part.

MN: What do you hope to “give” to the public and to your collectors through your artwork?

AR: There is nothing more flattering than when a collector chooses to invest in your work and my hope is that their lives are more enriched because of it. I recently completed a commission for a new collector that saw my work in a friends home. These connections are rewarding…from idea, completion, installation and then growth to the connection that starts me down the next path. This journey always leads to new artistic discoveries along the way.

MN: What is the greatest joy that you receive from your artwork and your process?

AR: My studio is a peaceful haven complete with music and a snoring dog. I enjoy the sometimes messy process from planning to completion. When stepping back in that reveal moment, my feelings are of complete gratitude. I always say that everyone has a gift and it’s just a matter of finding it. My goal is to protect it, grow and share with others.

MN: What are some words of wisdom or encouragement that you can give to aspiring young artist or aspiring older artist, today?

AR: I would encourage aspiring artists to surround themselves with other creative people. Understand that the artistic career path can be a challenge that takes years to shape. Be curious.

MN: Where would you like to see yourself five, 10, 20 years from now in respect to the art world and your place within it?

AR: Future goals include participating in art fairs like Art Basel and gaining more gallery representation. I feel like I’ve only scratched the surface so the future is exciting! My current exhibit resulted in four sales before unwrapping for installation with other collectors quickly purchasing two more.

The work of Atlanta, Georgia based artist, Amy Rader, is gaining ever-widening recognition for her multimedia work. Beyond visually beautiful artwork, she carefully researches concepts with each story unfolding from the layers of collage and paint. With this narrative approach, each artwork blends a fantastical world where humans and nature live in paradisal perfection.

Growing up in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, Amy connected with the natural world, musical story-telling and interests in history. The gifts and challenges of small town living helped develop some artistic interests but being awarded a full scholarship to The Art Institute of Atlanta was her catapult into becoming a successful working artist. Her career began as a digital craft, where she worked for advertising and interactive firms. After over 20 years in the industry, she walked away to embrace a more rewarding path for her talents creating art full time.

Exploring contrasts of high-fashion with nature and history with technology, these works evoke a sense of wonder. Symbolic elements often include real minerals and stones, real butterflies, animal spirits and imagery from the 1920’s that is further enhanced with illumination.

Her work can be seen in galleries, private collections, luxury high-rise buildings, restaurants and other public spaces. Recent notable accomplishments include being selected to represent Tesla and Microsoft at Art Basel Miami, commissioned work for Tavistock’s high-tech Lake Nona Orlando Wave Hotel project, custom pieces created for multiple Related Group high-rise buildings, and commissioned work for Norwegian Cruise Line.

With origins in luxury publishing for the past 29 years, Miles, an Atlanta native, brings his veteran Producer’s eye for perfection and excellence, as well as his plethora of rich connections in the entertainment industry. His production and finance company, Fire Mountain Entertainment, focuses on award winning potential content led by A-list talent, directors and producers, shot in first class studios with world class post, animation, VFX and production services.

His magazine, the Thirty-A Review, is one of many titles that he has operated and published successfully, catering to niche communities. His tech company, MetaATL specializes in NFT and MetaVerse development for film, television, music and sports icons.