Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Valois.
Hi Amber, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA, until I was about sixteen/seventeen my family moved to Florida because my mother wanted to be closer to Disney World. I’ve always been drawn to creative things – for the longest time, I wanted to be a film director, but I never really pursued the ambition of it. When I was in second grade, my teacher Mrs. Kennon really encouraged everyone in the class to write, that was the hallmark of her class studies, and after reading my work, she’d say I could be a writer one day. I also enjoyed art at the same time, but at that time, I thought that kind of talent had to come to you naturally, and I didn’t think I had any natural artistic abilities, so I leaned more towards writing, thinking that was my natural talent. Now it’s more of a balance between the two.
I’ve tried everything – directing plays, production design, dance, playing instruments, etc.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I always think of Robert Frost poem, “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— / I took the one less traveled by, / And that has made all the difference.” I’ve always followed my interests, whatever I’m passionate about at the moment, and sometimes it’s led me down a dead end, and sometimes it’s led me to more opportunities.
There have been some personal setbacks, traumas, and challenges like everyone has that I think have influenced my work because I allow it; it’s therapeutic. I wasn’t considered the smartest kid in school, but that’s because I had some previously undiagnosed learning challenges like Dyslexia/Dyscalculia that in those times weren’t taken seriously. I wasn’t the most popular kid in school either; I had your typical bullying period growing up which affected my self-confidence and self-esteem, which has caused some issues with having Rejection-sensitive dysphoria (RSD), different forms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD. It’s always a learning cycle of healing.
Writing, art, and reading, those activities that helped me cope with all of that because as all of that were going on, it eventually turned into, if I’m going through this, someone else has to be going through this too, and it could be relatable.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a mixed-media artist, playwright, and writer. Writing and words are the most important thing in my art; if it’s not on the painting, then it’s in the title of the painting or the series. Playwriting and writing – I’m still developing, but I like experimenting with the non-traditional styles of Gertrude Stein and Mark Z. Danielewski and similar writers. I would like to experiment with graphic novels eventually.
A couple of years ago, I started studying artists in my spare time, like Louise Bourgeois, David Shrigley, Jenny Holzer, and Tracey Emin, contemporary artists who used/use their writing in their artwork. But I also love the surrealist work of Rene Magritte, Salvador Dali, etc., so ever since, I’ve been trying to develop a style that marries writing with the kind of art I want to do. I think considering my art; Confessional Art sets me apart. My concepts/themes always start from something I’ve personally felt, observed, thought, seen, or experienced, and it’s always something with a “bite” or a bit of poetry to it.
I’m most proud of the different landmarks in my developing career. I’m most proud of the places my work has been seen, like Corbeaux magazine, or at Fringe festivals, like Orlando Visual Fringe. My writing has been produced and performed by theatrical production companies, including The Barrow Group.
We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I am a huge Ghostbusters fan – it’s my comfort, and I’ve watched the movies a billion times (especially the original). I’ve been Sigorney Weaver’s Zuul for Halloween before; I have Ghostbusters decals on my car, etc. I’ve met Ernie Hudson, and I have his autograph. One of my prized possessions is the technical manual for the Ecto-1.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.clippings.me/amber-valois
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amber.valois
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLw1fx232sN_6NLsP-S76ciE4xp7DAfix2
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@amber.valois
