Artist Statement

I grew out of childhood with a forceful push from a brain disturbed by anxiety. Like many others in this position, I turned to art. Over time the drawings evolved — maybe more mature, maybe less mature — to include an index of personal symbols and texts relating to disorder, such as reptilians, kettles, flowers, legs, urine and abstracted figures.

My most current works are trace monotypes where I achieve a curious quality of line and form that speaks directly to concept (imperfection, insecurity). The pressure of a utensil tracing the reference images pushes the underlying ink onto paper. I begin digitally, constructing imagery, and progress to ink on washi. Ongoing explorations include scale, layering, modularity, and colour.

I strive to eliminate the perpetuation of stereotyped anxiety, often instead turning towards the comical, the grotesque, the cringeworthy. I am interested in the authentic representation of disorder that is universal to many.

Biography

Amy Crosby has been feeling big things for over twenty years and one day decided to put it down on paper — one of her brighter ideas. Originally from Ontario, now practicing in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Crosby’s debut exhibition at the Anna Leonowens Gallery, Fettles, began a body of work rich in delicate form and contemplative prose. Her practice merges illustration and printmaking techniques such as trace monotype and pochoir. Often present is a kind of poking-fun (at herself, at others, at the contemporary world) that keeps her humble in her practice and somewhat sane otherwise.

Crosby graduated from NSCAD University in 2022 with a BFA and minor in drawing, alongside the Governor General’s Medal, Valedictorian, Student Art Award in drawing, and a BMO 1st! Nomination. Her illustrations appear in stores, on lampposts, vehicles, and in festivals across Eastern Canada.