Voices of Creativity
Hear the artist share her journey, challenges, and definitions of success
Amy Bruning
Amy Bruning is a mixed media artist based in London, originally from Scotland. She studied animation at the Edinburgh College of Art and completed her master's with the Re:Anima Joint Animation Masters, a collaborative program across three universities in Portugal, Finland, and Belgium. Her work explores themes of nostalgia, memory, and grief, often using interactive installations and projection mapping to engage the senses. Bruning is particularly interested in the relationship between animation, poetic documentary, and complex traumas, and how art can facilitate healing in the face of grief.
Amy Bruning: From Animation to Sensory Installations – A Journey of Expression and Growth
Amy Bruning’s artistic journey is a testament to passion, resilience, and the evolution of self-expression. Born with a deep desire to create, her path as an artist has unfolded in unexpected and enriching ways. Bruning’s work, a fusion of painting and animation, invites viewers to engage in interactive, sensory-rich installations that explore themes of nostalgia, memory, and grief. As a mixed media artist, she has carved out a unique space where personal experience meets playful imagination.
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The Early Inspirations and Challenges
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From a young age, Bruning knew that art would be her life's pursuit. "I always wanted to be an artist," she reflects, "it was never really a decision—it was just something I always wanted to do." However, her path was not without obstacles. At the age of 17, Bruning faced the devastation of not being accepted into any art schools. Despite this setback, she persevered by taking a portfolio course at a community college, where she learned, grew, and eventually gained acceptance into every art school she applied for. This period of growth marked the beginning of Bruning's serious exploration of her craft and her commitment to art as a career.
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The Evolution of Style
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Bruning's style has evolved significantly over the years. Initially drawn to painting, she discovered animation during her time at college, which sparked a transformation in her artistic practice. Her work is now a hybrid of painting and animation, with a focus on interactive installations using projection mapping. "My work has become more sentimental and sensitive," she says, reflecting on how life experiences—both good and bad—have influenced her art. In addition to her serious works, Bruning embraces playfulness in her creations. One such example is Sausage Horse, a quirky hybrid between a sausage and a horse, which started as a humorous character and has since expanded into a small business with merchandise such as t-shirts, socks, and earrings.
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Achievements and Proud Moments
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Among Bruning's proudest moments was receiving her first official residency in America. During this time, she had a solo exhibition, taught at a local college, and collaborated with a museum on events. "It gave me so much confidence," she recalls. "I finally felt like what I was making was worthwhile." This residency reaffirmed her place in the artistic world and marked a significant milestone in her career.
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Overcoming Setbacks
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Bruning's career has not been without challenges. After university, she struggled to balance her creative ambitions with working as an illustrator for an environmental charity. The transition into a corporate environment was difficult, and it took time to find the right balance. Eventually, she discovered that teaching allowed her to maintain her creative energy while still making a living. The pandemic also presented struggles, but Bruning navigated through these challenges with resilience, recognizing the importance of adaptability in tough times.
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Insights for Emerging Artists
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Having faced her own challenges, Bruning offers valuable advice to emerging artists: "Things probably won’t follow the path you think they will, but just keep making what you love." She stresses that it's not necessary to live off your art in the current economic climate. Instead, artists should find jobs that provide financial stability while leaving room for their creative passions.
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Staying True to Her Vision
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Bruning’s work is deeply personal, and she doesn’t feel the need to conform to art market trends. "I don’t really adapt to the art market," she says. "I make my money by teaching, and I don’t pay attention to trends or what is popular." For Bruning, success lies in creating art that is true to her vision and connecting with others who appreciate her work.
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Support and Inspiration
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Throughout her journey, Bruning has been supported by her mother, who has consistently been present at exhibitions and shows. "I'm really grateful to have her," Bruning shares, emphasizing the importance of a strong support system in the life of an artist.
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Redefining Success
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For Bruning, success as an artist is not about selling paintings or following market trends. Instead, it’s about making time to create, having her work seen, and allowing others to take something meaningful away from it. "I just want to have enough time to make art and for people to experience it," she says. This definition of success is personal and centered around the joy of creation and meaningful engagement rather than external validation. In the end, Amy Bruning’s work speaks to the transformative power of art and its ability to connect deeply with both the creator and the viewer. Her journey is one of perseverance, growth, and a steadfast commitment to authenticity in both her practice and her life.
