YDF26 Artist 03 Q&A: Amber Lily

What’s your background?

I’m an artist inspired by nature, texture, and urban environments, creating work with colour, mark-making, and stitch. Alongside developing my art business, I’ve gained experience collaborating, networking, and engaging communities. My background supports running inclusive workshops, encouraging creativity and connection across diverse groups through accessible, hands-on artistic practice.

Who are your biggest influences? Artistically? Who inspired you to become an artist?

My influences shift over time. I’m drawn to painters and often try to translate paint strokes into ragged fabric edges and organic print marks. Josef Albers’ colour studies first sparked my fascination with colour, while Jade Fadojutimi’s expressive marks, Lucas Thorik’s bold pairings, and Deni Rayneau’s playful yet considered works all resonate with me. I can’t say one person inspired me to become an artist - it feels more like something I was born with, as I’ve always felt the need to create and express myself.

How have you developed your career? (From student to artist)

I’ve developed my career by actively seeking opportunities to share and connect. Applying to open calls and exhibitions has helped me meet new people and expand my network. I’ve built collaborations through LinkedIn and Instagram, and have been recognised with awards such as the Colour in Design Award. Staying in touch with tutors has provided continued guidance, while posting regularly on social media has allowed me to share my process and reach wider audiences.

At what point did you begin to call yourself an artist? What was it that made you think ‘I am an artist!’?

I still struggle with calling myself an artist, as I’m not yet in a position to do it full time. For me, being an artist at heart feels natural, but professionally I’ve often linked that identity to earning an income. I feel more comfortable using the title when I have an ongoing project, as that grounds the work in something active and real. Ultimately, I believe being an artist is more about mindset and passion than payment, though it’s something I’m still learning to embrace.

What work do you most enjoy doing?

I most enjoy creating in my studio with music on, exploring colour, texture, and botanical forms. I love experimenting with printmaking using different inks, working intuitively, and sewing free motion on my Juki. I particularly enjoy producing bold, large-scale works that have a strong presence in interior spaces. Equally rewarding is sharing these techniques with others - showing people how to work intuitively with colour, texture, and stitch, and helping them discover the joy of making their own expressive, tactile artworks.

University - Do you need to have been to uni to make it as an artist?

No, you don’t need to have been to university to make it as an artist. University can be helpful for building connections, exploring career pathways, and learning to use equipment and facilities that you might not have regular access to otherwise. However, it’s entirely possible to create meaningful work without a degree - you can still discover your focus and develop your practice, though it might take more time to know where to start or which direction to pursue.

Quick Fire questions…