Conversations with the Inspiring Amy Metier

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Metier.

Amy, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started painting at the age of twelve and my commitment to art has continued to this day. I grew up in Cheyenne, Wyoming where one had to learn to entertain oneself, so I drew and painted a lot. My parents were supportive of my endeavors and I will always be grateful to them for that.

I received a BFA in Fine Arts from CSU in Fort Collins and an MFA in Painting from CU, Boulder. I was fortunate to be able to travel to Europe in college and to be exposed to great art in museums and a different aesthetic sensibility there.

I started teaching art as a full-time professor at the Community College of Denver and then Metro when my two children were little. During that time, I continued my painting practice as well, exhibiting in Denver at Robischon Gallery and then the William Havu Gallery in Denver as well as the Davis Dominguez Gallery in Tucson.

I have had 12 solo exhibitions and numerous group exhibitions. I am currently in a group show at the Arvada Center focused on Abstract Colorado Artists. My next solo show is at the William Havu Gallery in May of 2020.

The Denver arts community has been wonderful support of my work – I have paintings in the permanent collections of the Denver Art Museum and the Kirkland Museum.

As of today, I continue teaching occasionally part-time. I believe strongly in giving back to the community and have served on boards at the Denver Art Museum and the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art.

I have been going to artist residencies to work the past few years — two at the American Academy in Rome, two at the Ballinglen Foundation in Ireland, two at the Alfred Klotts Foundation in France and one at La Napoule in France. Working at these residencies has been an amazing experience to challenge and nurture my work.

Has it been a smooth road?
The hardest part of my journey was raising children as a single parent while running an art department and making artwork for exhibitions. It was crazy! That said, my children continue to be my greatest inspiration.

I had to be extremely organized and keep my priorities straight. I guess my advice to other young women just starting their journey is to believe in themselves, work hard, be disciplined and open to change.

What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
I am primarily an abstract painter, although I dabble in sculpture and printmaking as well. I love to work large (largest painting is 18 ft. x 24 ft.) and am probably known for my work as a colorist. I like to think my work is expressive and engaged in light and movement.

It is important for me to try to grow and change as an artist. I am never quite sure if my work is finished or
good enough and I believe that doubt contributes to the never-ending quest of making art.

Who do you look up to? How have they inspired you?
So many women have inspired me personally and as an artist for their generosity of spirit to others, courage and
belief in their work and themselves.

To name a few:
My mother, my grandmother and my daughter.
Michelle Obama, Marie Curie, Eleanor Roosevelt.
Artists Joan Mitchell, Helen Frankenthaler, Monroe Hodder, Adriana Corral, Louise Bourgeois, Bridget Riley, Lee Krasner, Jenny Saville, Cecily Brown, Agnes Martin, Julie Mehretu, Barbara Hepworth, Alice Neel, Anni Albers, Yayoi Kusama, Elaine de Kooning, and many many more.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.amymetier.com
• Email: amymetier4@gmail.com
• Instagram: amymetier.com

Image Credit:
Wes Magyar

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