Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Gonzalez.
Hi Amber, I’m so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, how can you bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve been painting and making art since I was a kid, but I started tufting in 2020 during the pandemic; I found out about punch needles and made my first rug in the summer of 2020, and shortly after, I fell in love with it and bought my tufting machine. I was able to live off my art for 3 years after that, taking on rug commissions and opening my online shop. I returned to a “regular” job in late 2023, but I still make rugs, finally have more time to paint, and vend at markets often, which I love!
Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has been a challenging road. I never imagined at any point in my life I would be able to live off making art, and it took a while to get there. There are so many artists out there, and you have to make yourself stand out and put a lot of time and effort into your craft to stand out in a sea full of creatives.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’ve been doing mainly textile art for the past 4 years; I specialize in tufting. I’m most proud of the original stuff I get to make from time to time, making my drawings into rugs or wall hangings. For a while, I was mostly known for anime rugs. Showing the art-making process and letting people see behind the scenes sets me apart. I started making tufting videos on TikTok and Instagram a while back, and showing others how this art gets made is super eye-opening and helps me connect with my audience!
We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Can you share something that might surprise us?
How long do I truly spend on a piece? I can post a 45-second video online showing the process of a rug I’ve made, and it seems so quick and easy, but making one rug can easily be an 8-15 hour long process!
Contact Info:
- Website: Ambergonart.com
- Instagram: @amber.gon
- TikTok: @ambergon
