A native of Miami, Florida, Amy Richard’s connection with the natural environment began at an early age while exploring coastal waters and mangrove forests near her home.  A passion for art was later set in motion at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas where she studied with wildlife artist Jerry Newman and completed a BFA degree in painting and drawing [1984].  After working for many years as an artist/illustrator, science writer, and educator, a fascination with hand papermaking processes led her to complete an MFA in Paper and Book Arts at the University of Iowa [2016]. Her focus was on Japanese-style papermaking, along with the history, traditions, and the spiritual/ healing aspects of the practice.

 

Heavily influenced by the cycles of life, much of Richard’s work is a response to the metaphysical energy exhibited in nature, particularly within the detritus or "natural relics" that remain after life is gone. Using the inner bark [bast fibers] from specific plants, Richard strives to capture nature’s vibrancy in her sculptures, prints, paintings, and artist books. 

  

For more information:

amymiami.richard@gmail.com   

amyrichardstudio.com