Amber Roach, artist in residence during the months of November and December 2017 at Main Street Arts, is working in one of our two studio spaces on our second floor. We asked Amber some questions about her work and studio practice:
Q: Tell us about your background.
I was born and raised in Syracuse, New York. I graduated from Syracuse University with a BFA in illustration.
Q: How would you describe your work?
My preferred medium is relief printmaking. However, I wouldn’t confine myself to only using a printmaking process when making a piece. If I feel it would be enhance by painting or drawing I’ll work in a more mixed media fashion. I would describe my work as graphic yet textural.
Q: What is your process for creating a work of art?
Once I’ve decided on a subject matter I start out with very loose thumb nail sketches. After I feel I’ve gotten a decent composition I’ll transfer my drawing to the block and redraw it with more detail. I carve the block and do about a dozen test prints to figure out which colors to use.
Q: What are your goals for this residency?
For this first month, I want to fine tune my portfolio and create more pieces that are cohesive with my current body of work. Primarily I’ve been making linocut pieces. For the second month, I want to get back into oil painting.
Q: What is the most useful tool in your studio?
My glass palette.
Q: Who is your favorite artist and why?
My favorite contemporary painter is Kent Williams because of his use of color and the way he captures the figure. My favorite contemporary printmaker is Kathleen Neeley — I admire her style and the characters she creates.
Q: How do you promote your work?
Mostly through my Instagram but I’ll also send out mailers to art directors.
Q: What’s next for you?
After this I will probably be planning a move to New York or hunting down another residency.
Q: Where else can we find you?
Instagram: @amberleighroach
