Nº23: AMBER VITTORIA
A LOOK INSIDE AMBER VITTORIA’S WORLD.
PHOTOS BY DALE ALGO
STYLED BY ALICIA GRAHAM
“Every so often I’ll receive social media commentary around how my work is juvenile, untrained, or how the figure in the piece is “ugly.” These comments are why I make the work I make, to change the societal perception of women.”
The first time I laid eyes on Amber Vittoria's work I was amazed at the way she depicted women from other illustrators. Her artwork is exaggerative, unique and all together still screams out a message for women. Usually, artists give this perfect aspect of what a woman looks like, but her portrayal gives a different insight. With every piece, she gives us an idea of the non- traditional and non- idealistic views of a woman especially in this modern-day of artwork.
It was an honor when she first reached out to be featured in our issue. We had a steady back and forth, on how we can make our platform worthy of her work. Finally, I reached back out and told her about our women's issue, now we are here. Amber has since then from our last discussion worked with Gucci, New York Times and a list of other astounding brands and publications.
Tell us about yourself, and what got you into art?
My brother and I would color and draw from a young age. Over time, my parents noticed how much we loved to make drawings and fill sketchbooks, they asked if we wanted to enroll in art classes outside of school. Eventually, my brother fell into loving science, but I continued to love making art. As I grew older, I realized it was one of the few things I enjoyed, regardless of the final outcome. I decided to pursue art in college and continue practicing into adulthood.
How would you say your childhood environment, help with your love for illustration?
Both my parents encouraged us to practice what we loved, and for me that was art-making. As I got older, enrolled in art school, and had to decide a major, I was still unsure about what kind of artist I’d like to be. Because of that, I chose a graphic design program that was heavily rooted in drawing, painting, printmaking, and sculpture; this allowed me the flexibility to combine and experiment with different paths until I ultimately fell in love with illustration.
Your artwork represents women, can you tell us why you decided to make it all about women?
Visiting art museums, galleries, and reading about art history, there was seldom artwork that I felt I could see myself in. The majority of the famous artists were male, and the depictions of women within their artworks were either overtly sexual, maternal, or a societal trap of the like. Because of this, I wanted to create work in which I could see myself.
You worked with some notable names, how important was it for you to get your artwork to stay as-is for a brand like Gucci?
I’ve been fortunate enough to work with brands and publications that have a similar ethos, point of view, and story to tell. Because of this, many of my commissioned pieces seamlessly blend with my personal ones.
Have you gotten any critics about your work? In the sense of not making art of what the world thinks is the perfect woman.
Every so often I’ll receive social media commentary around how my work is juvenile, untrained, or how the figure in the piece is “ugly.” These comments are why I make the work I make, to change the societal perception of women.
If you can, let us know your take on the modern-day woman, how did the past influence who you are today as a woman?
The modern woman is an individual; she is not stereotyped or categorized by her physicality or her emotions. My parents were integral in helping nurture who I am today.
What is one thing you would say about your mom’s personal journey as a woman, that helped you become who you are today?
My mother is incredibly nurturing and open-minded. Her childhood was the antithesis of mine, and I am so fortunate for the energy, compassion, and love she gave while raising my brother and me.
To the young women who will be reading this. What advice would you give to them when it comes to finding what works for them and embracing their womanhood?Be kind to yourself.