Artists We Love: Amy Keevy

WORDS Amelia Brown IMAGES Love Made Visible

Brand manager by day, artist by night, creative Amy Keevy, known for her compelling lunar spheres, let us in on her creative process, what inspires her and why she loves the moon…  

How did you develop your technique and style?

I studied Fine Art at Nelson Mandela Bay University where I majored in kiln-formed glass. Painting was not on my agenda at all during uni, and when I picked up a brush and started using watercolours and ink four years ago, I hadn’t painted in five years! I started painting on a small scale because that’s what my space allowed. From the beginning I learnt that I needed to follow my brush and let the paint and paper guide me more than anything else.

Why the lunar subject matter?

I have always been enthralled by the moon in all her glowing glory. I see her as a guide and grounding element to not only the Earth, but also my body as a woman. When I began painting the moon, I was going through quite a hard time and found myself looking for something that I could hold on to; something that’s beyond my control and that has a hold on shadow and memory.

Will you ever stray from the moon?

Finding a new subject in your art can be a scary process. It requires many hours of play and bravery as you watch your creative energy unfold into the unknown. It’s also extremely thrilling. I’ve always been drawn to my body as subject matter and I’ve recently been exploring this more. My love affair with glass is also still very much alive, and I’ve been including the medium into more and more of my ceramic work.

What inspires you?

Colour. Light. Texture. Movement. Skin.

Where do you create your pieces?

I love painting in company, and mostly paint at our table while my girlfriend is cooking. My studio has always been my home. I’ve only recently had a spare room in my house to call a proper studio, but I still find myself coming back to my dining room table to create.

What time of day do you prefer to work?

I prefer to work in the morning, after a coffee. I feel that my head, heart and hands are at their most clear.

If you could collaborate with any South African artist who would that be?

Oh what a question! I’m usually quite intimidated by artists who I feel are amazing (#impostersyndrome). I would love to learn from someone like Penny Siopis or Diane Victor. Just imagine working in studio with one of them…

If you weren’t an artist, what would you be?

I’m only an artist after my 9 to 5 job. During normal working hours I’m the brand manager for Dear Rae Jewellery. I’m lucky enough to have a job which I love, and that keeps me on my creative toes.

The last time you travelled, what did you buy, where and why?

Earlier this year I went on a three-week camping adventure to Botswana. The only purchase I made was a small fabric bag died with natural indigo by a local woman in Maun. When I travel shopping is not high on my list of priorities. I prefer to spend my money on good food and seeing new places.

Highlight of your career?

Every time I sell an artwork is a highlight. It brings me such joy to know that something I created has found a home with someone who loves it, too.

Five-year plan?

I’m excited to see where my new work is going and to use more and more glass as an expressive medium. My five-year plan would be to just continue building a space for myself to keep exploring, and hopefully to create some larger scale paintings too.

Visit Amy’s website, amykeevy.co.za, where you can purchase her paintings, prints and ceramics, and follow her story on Instagram and Facebook.