Amber Larks
Amber Larks is a Los Angeles-based oil painter whose work focuses on the relationships between the human condition, the natural world, and the unknown. Along with influences from science, science fiction, surrealism, and the transcendental art movement, the imagery in her work often stems from hypnagogia- the transitional state of consciousness between wake and sleep. Coming from a biracial and non-religious background, she often reflects on and incorporates themes of identity, perception, belonging, purpose, and existence into her paintings. Larks’s colorful palette and soft blends emote a melancholic yet hopeful yearning. She uses light and color to create serene, meditative realms to dissociate the consciousness. Her work is an active practice to shift unease with the unknown into appreciation for life and longing for exploration. She enjoys drawing parallels between art and science and how they are both avenues to make sense of the universe around us. Amber graduated from Washington State University with a business degree and emphasis in fine arts but is self-taught in oil painting. Her paintings have been published in notable art journals such as ArtMaze Magazine and Friend of The Artist. She was included in “Latent Dreaming” at Seefood Room in Hong Kong and Artsy’s “Foundations” Art Fair. She recently completed the Moosey Residency in Norwich, UK, and was included in ‘MORE THAN NOW’ curated by Lisa Boudet at Moosey’s London Hoxton location.
Collect Bean: Tell us about a time when you felt you found your groove as an artist.
Amber Larks: This past March, I had the honor of participating in The Moosey Residency in Norwich, England. This was the first time I’ve done a residency and the first time I got to be a “full-time” artist for a month. It was so nice to have the space and time to focus on art and appreciate my surroundings without the stress of balancing a part-time job. It was an eye-opening, inspiring experience and a confidence boost that this is “what life could be.” I found a good balance between resting, working, and exploring at the residency. I hope to tailor my life to be more in tune with how I felt there. Time slowed down, and it was a dream.
Collect Bean: What role does art play in society, and how does your work contribute to that?
Amber Larks: I reflect on the concept that “all art is political.” For a long time, I didn’t think of my art as political, but I’m realizing more now that it can be political indirectly. My work is meditative, and sometimes, it’s a way to cope with a world that feels dystopian. I see and feel a lot of the injustices in this world. I hope my art can contribute to the movements centered on humanity, the environment, and a belief in something better, all while rejecting power structures.
Collect Bean: Where are you currently finding inspiration?
Amber Larks: I am currently finding inspiration in microscopy. Visually and conceptually, microscopy is an endless inspiration. My goal is to get a microscope and source my own samples to look at. There is something profound about seeing life through new lenses.
Collect Bean: Are there any artists or movements that have inspired or influenced your work?
Amber Larks: I’ve always been inspired by the surrealist movement, Georgia O'Keeffe, Rene Magritte, and Henri Rousseau. Recently, within the past year or so, I discovered the transcendental art movement. I had never heard of it before, but when I learned about it, it was an immediate “click” moment, and I was so shocked I had never heard about it. My work is very much intertwined with this movement thematically and aesthetically. I love Agnes Pelton’s work and got to see some of her works at LACMA’s “Another World: The Transcendental Painting Group, 1938–1945,” which was incredible. Also, after watching “Beyond the Visible – Hilma af Klint,” I connect with her work and reflect on it often.
Collect Bean: How does where you grew up influence your work?
Amber Larks: I grew up in Southern California, in Los Angeles. I realize more and more as I get older how this environment shapes my work. Light is a huge aspect of my work; in Southern California, sunlight is vital to the culture. Growing up, I visited the beach with friends, and we always chased golden hour. I also realize the historical influences of LA coming out in my work, like the psychedelic bohemian aspects or counter-culture rock music scene in the 60s/70s.
