Amy Young

Skull with Flowers and Bat

2021

Amy Young (b.1991) is a multidisciplinary artist whose methods and focus in art is as diverse as her neurobiology. Young’s work primarily explores mental health awareness by means of metaphor and symbolism. Through an attention to detail, color, visual balance, and blended imagery, the work embodies the idea of personal mythology. Young is inspired by the ideas of mythos and fairy tales as they relate to the nature of being human. While ceramics and painting are the most utilized mediums in Young’s work, she also works with fiber, found objects, metals, and pyrography, often in conjunction, to create pieces that speak to the magical nature of the moments found between the strength and struggle of existing. “There is fatigue so great that the body cries, even in sleep. There are times of complete frustration, there are daily small deaths.”-Martha Graham I started making pieces that reflected my journey with mental health consciousness when I moved to Kansas City in 2016 to attend the Kansas City Art Institute. I wanted to apply my education in psychology to my art practice in a more self reflective manner. Pursuing my undergrad degree gave me a place to begin this journey in a very intense, supportive, and taxing environment which demanded a greater amount of self awareness and reflection than I was previously used to. This body of work encompasses pieces from each of the years I’ve been on this path of self reflection and honoring the struggles I’ve faced in my life. Through the use of symbolism, the mission of these works is to bring beauty into the world from roots of real pain and loss. In facing my struggles with major depression, generalized anxiety, complex PTSD, and bipolar disorder, I wanted to find ways to communicate my experiences without trying to replicate them. The ceramic works have a strong focus on the mind, with themes of protection, struggle, and the roles of internal and external pressure put on myself and others who are facing these battles daily. The paintings in this grouping explore the impact of chronic physical conditions on mental health and vice versa. After getting COVID in early 2020 and learning to live with the effects of long COVID and the aftermath of a crashed immune system, I was forced to face my health holistically. With new battles of chronic fatigue, immune flare ups, and the frustration in having to relearn and accept my limitations, these are just the start of a visual conversation to be continued.