Anatomy of an Artwork: Amber Resseguie

Amber Resseguie calls Ypsilanti, Michigan home. Her mixed media work draws inspiration from the precise, yet speedy, mark-making of graffiti, filling each surface with bold rhythms of color. Amber’s layering of materials are extensions of her identity not only as an abstract artist, but as an educator, inviting us to experiment with self-expression through creative gestures. 

Read below to learn more about Amber’s work and to see the beautiful pages she shared with us!

When did you participate in The Sketchbook Project? 

I am currently working on my first journal now, Volume 16! Excited and happy to be part of such an experience!

What are your favorite tools and materials that you incorporate into your daily practice?

I am all about the palette knife, Sharpie, and spray paint life! All three of those tools are in my hand every day. I also always have a cup of coffee and a crystal with me in the studio to keep my mind buzzing as I work. Scrap paper is also a must have for me in my daily practice; to practice marks, create to-do lists, and write down reminders!

Can you explain some of the materials featured in your photos?  

I use palette knives to spread the acrylic paint around the surface of my paintings. Then I add texture and bold details using spray paint. Spray paint is so versatile; it provides beautiful coverage as well as divine texture.  Lastly, the marks are made with oil pastel, big Sharpie markers, and a pen depending on what the mark looks like in my head. 

Do you have any tips or tricks for artists who want to try out these materials? 

JUST DO IT! Don’t think too much about it, go with the flow! I suggest testing out and experimenting with each material, see what type of marks they make. 

What are your favorite subjects to illustrate? 

I love painting about feelings! I am currently exploring the relationships between colors and emotional responses, developing organic abstract combinations of color, space, and mark-making.  

What inspires your vibrant color palettes? 

Literally everything my eyes intake! I am constantly taking in color inspiration from everything around me. Be it my Instagram feed, my house plants, cartoons, the video games my girlfriend is playing, what I see outside my window, advertisements, etc. 

How are you staying creative during this time? 

By showing up for myself and holding myself accountable to my practice. Each day I try to do something ‘creative’: practice making squiggles in my sketchbook or trying out a new latte recipe in the kitchen. 

Do you have any advice for artists who may be struggling with creativity right now? 

Be tender, gentle, and patient with yourself. You are an artist, always will be. Listen to your body, soul, and spirit. Find a rhythm, create, make, rest, do it your way! The flow always comes back, don’t you worry. 

You can find more of Amber’s artwork on her Instagram! Check out more sketchbook pages at #sbpprocess.