16 March 2018

Amy Basnett Art creating positive change

| Nina Gbor
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Amy Basset

Photos: Supplied.

Looking at Amy Basnett Art pieces evokes positive feelings. The kinds of feelings that you want to feel every day by seeing one of her pieces hanging on a wall at your home. To add even more beauty to Amy’s masterpieces, a portion of the sales profits go to rescuing women, children and men from sex trafficking. Amy also supports and collaborates with local businesses in Canberra.

We caught up with Amy to learn what’s behind her art and her support for charities and local businesses.

RA: When did you start painting and how did you get started?

ABA: I have been painting since I can remember. Inspired by my aunt who was studying visual art at university, I wanted to be just like her (Caroline crow salmon). I started with chalk pastel, traditional landscapes, charcoal studies of human form and pencil. I chose to study art for year 11 and 12 tertiary entrance at high school and excelled. It has always been a hobby and a passion. Over the years I painted for my own home and for friends. When I had my now 4-year old I decided that this was my opportunity to give my passion and hobby a chance to become an income. So balancing my art with a baby, second baby and husband, fuelled by coffee during the day and wine in the evening…It became a surprising success, with people purchasing artwork in every art competition I entered and receiving commission requests.

RA: How would you describe your style of art?

ABA: I would describe my style as expressive, bold and unique, contemporary and abstract. Inspired by my previous life as an environmental officer focused on water quality, my work reflects an aerial view of water flowing through our landscape. An intricate and delicate network of rivers, streams, creeks and oceans. I use acrylics with many mediums to create texture and interest. And I love using a palette knife.

RA: What positive changes do you elicit with your artwork?

ABA: The vibrancy and boldness of my art is designed to evoke a positive mood in the viewer. In a world so full of challenges and often negativity, I believe art should be something we turn to, to immerse ourselves in encouragement, hope and positivity. 10% of profits go to A21 rescuing women, children and men from sex trafficking; I often donate artworks to good causes such as the Arbonne Ball 2017, the Settlement Services International Gala 2017 in Sydney providing funding for projects which assist refugees settling into Australia, and End to End Events High Tea in Melbourne celebrating diversity and multiculturalism. I am also entering the Twitter Art Exhibit to be held at Strathnairn Arts Centre in April. I also believe in supporting and collaborating with local businesses in Canberra, I provided an artwork to The Women’s Collective Big Conference 2017 as the backdrop for the photo booth.

RA: What’s the meaning and/or philosophy behind your artwork?

ABA: I think the philosophy behind my art is as simple as creating a sense of escapism. Juggling two toddlers, a busy life and work makes me, and I’m sure many, want to walk into an inviting calming space. Water is something which we are all attracted to for its recreational, aesthetic and life-giving qualities. I create works which provide that connection to our environment, whilst maintaining that abstraction which allows the viewer to make it their own, create their own story that evokes a sense of peace and joy.

RA: Can you talk about incorporating interior design concepts into your compositions?

ABA: With commissions, I work with my clients to incorporate their space into the design of the artwork, colour palette, dimension, and overall feel. If my client wants to brighten the space, create a mood or reflect their colour palette – this all comes together to inform my planning of the piece.

Amy Basnett Art pieces are available online through her website amybasnettart.bigcartel.com and the online art gallery Bluethumb (bluethumb.com.au).

You can also see it in person at the Aarwun Gallery located in Gold Creek (Canberra).

Facebook: @amybasnettart

Instagram: @amybasnettart

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