We had the good fortune of connecting with Amy McCormac and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amy, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I’ve been an artist my whole life, but taking care of my kids and my elderly parents took over my life. After my parents died and my kids were grown I had the time to focus on my art.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

Therapy taught me that misunderstandings and missed connections in my family created anxiety, depression and damaging patterns of behavior. To explore the impact of these responses, I paint cinematic works depicting specific emotional moments between myself and my family. I portray internal conflicts, ambivalence and confrontations. Color and abstraction heighten the psychological and emotional temperature of the figures in the work. In a society that promotes a false narrative of family and motherhood, I strive to present a more authentic picture. My work is raw, humorous and compassionate.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well of course there would be a gallery tour, there are so many great galleries! M&B Los Angeles, Luis de Jesus, Make Room, Night Gallery, Shulamit Nazarian, Ochi, Tyler Park Presents, Emma Gray, Nicodim, Matthew Brown, Wilding Cran – there’s literally too many to mention. The Hammer Museum is my favorite art museum, and it’s free and beautiful! It’s built around an open courtyard where there’s a restaurant. I’ve seen some fantastic shows there.

There’s so many beautiful walks and hikes. I love the trails at Griffith Park, the trail behind Tree People off Mulholland and Laurel Canyon. I also love Baldwin Hills scenic overlook, and Kenneth Hahn park. It’s easy to find a trail for whatever you’re in the mood for.

I also love to go to The Huntington and Descanso Gardens. We like to try different beaches depending on what we’re in the mood for. but usually go to Will Rogers for the easy parking.

Our favorite restaurant is Republique for brunch or Paradise Cove Cafe if we want a view.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Badir McCleary/@ArtAboveReality has been supportive both personally and practically. I met him at Freize in 2020 right before Covid shut everything down, but I had been following him for a while on Instagram. We immediately hit it off and he has taught me a lot about the business side of art. He included my in a virtual show he curated during Covid, and then he also was curating at Art Share LA, and included me in a group show there.

Website: amymccormac.com

Instagram: @mccormacamy

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