Sit Down With Our #090 Featured Artist

Amy May, ScrawlrMod

If you follow the ScrawlrBox Community you may just recognise this lovely face. Amy has been our Moderator for over a year now, helping us, and more importantly you. Amy is always there to welcome in new members and offer some friendly advise.

What is the best part about being a part of the Scrawlr Community?

Being surrounded by talented, kind, encouraging and inspiring fellow Scrawlrs. When I joined in Feb 2021, we were still in the post-lockdown stage and I’m a winter hermit anyway, but as I also work from home I was quite lonely if I’m honest. Not long after I first subbed the Facebook community page was created and it was like I’d just found the coolest group of people to hang out with every day!

Would you say that there is a strong sense of belonging within the community?

Oh 100%! Whether you’re in all the socials, or just in the discord or on Facebook, everyone is welcomed and supported and I’d like to think that is felt by all. I honestly wouldn’t be without the community these days, and I credit it with getting me through some very challenging health issues and lonely times. We have a really diverse group of people from all over the world and there is always someone to listen when you’re having a rough day, or to give you some encouragement when you’re lacking in confidence in your art. There’s also always someone ready to drop a funny GIF or turn the chat into a hotbed of crazy, I’m sure those people know who they are!

What kind of impact has the community had on your journey as an artist?

When I joined I was 33 and had created about 3 or 4 pieces of art since I was 17. I didn’t even know what a Posca pen was as I was always a graphite sketch ‘artist’, I use that term loosely for how I saw myself at the time.

My first few Scrawlr pieces didn’t make it to the ‘gram, and in fact it was probably about a year before I shared any work as I was so rusty and personally uninspired. The community changed all of that. Everyone is so helpful with ideas and tips, there is so much inspiring art being shared, and I learnt about new materials because of the boxes but I discovered all of the ways to use those materials because of the community! I would now say I am an actual artist, I even have some of my own work on my walls at home.

Do you think the community has changed the way artists, old and new, connect and create?

I think the community completely breaks down the barriers between old and new, professional and beginner, collectors and creators. We all have a common love of art and art supplies, many of us also have health conditions and have found therapy in art. Those who may have joined the community to see art work or to keep up to date with Scrawlr news, very soon get involved in random conversations and make new friends. Everyone is also so encouraging, so those that may not feel like their art is worth sharing, are always met with kindness and support to put it out there. The Scrawlr challenge is also great for that!

We see all the lovely friendships bloom from the group, what is the most memorable experience yo have had from the group?

I find inspiration in different forms of art from Andy Scott's sculptures to John Piper's stained glass, and fine art photography to impressionist painters. It's important to me to use my own photos as references whenever I can to remind me of my experiences and the character of my subject, but the feelings evoked by different art forms synergise with my memories to help me express my encounters in creative ways.

What projects have you got going on at the moment? Where can we see more of your work?

At the moment I’m just enjoying colouring in a sweary colouring book and doing daily scribbles using a 365 days of art book, simple things. My biggest project this year is planning my wedding, so art may take a back step, but I would like to create a piece for every box this year! You can find my work on Instagram @lady_doodle.bug and I pop up in all of the community socials.