Amber Young's artistic journey is deeply rooted in her connection to the rural landscape of Hampton, New Brunswick, on Canada's east coast. Born and raised amidst the serene beauty of a pond, a lake, and 40 acres of forest, Young's expressive and painterly approach captures the essence of her surroundings.
Amber Young’s artistic career commenced with a Fine Arts degree from the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, laying the foundation for her exploration of diverse cultures and artistic techniques. Venturing to Asia, Young spent significant years living and traveling across the continent. Notably, she immersed herself in the art of Chinese Lotus painting during a transformative year in Taiwan, studying under the esteemed Master lotus painter, Hwang Lao Zu.
Upon returning to Canada, Young's commitment to both art and education led her to pursue a teaching degree. However, her roots beckoned, and she returned to the familiar landscapes of her upbringing to start a family. This return marked a pivotal moment, influencing the thematic core of her artwork.
“My art is deeply rooted in nature’s essence. I paint to capture the present moment, expressing firsthand encounters. Rather than aiming for realism, my intention is to evoke the feeling of being within nature – emphasizing presence, connection, immediacy, and calm.”
Young's creative focus centers on nature, with a particular emphasis on the intricate beauty of forests, flowers, and water reflections. Her work, spanning two decades, has been showcased in both group and solo exhibitions, offering viewers a glimpse into the evolving narrative of her artistic evolution.
Young seamlessly weaves together the influences of her upbringing, the enriching experiences in Asia, and the nuanced beauty of the Canadian landscape. Her commitment to teaching, coupled with her dedication to the canvas, reflects a holistic artistic journey that continues to captivate and resonate with audiences worldwide.
SOLO EXHIBITIONS
2023 Breathing In, Breathing Out, Spicer Merrifield Gallery, Saint John, NB
2013 New Work, Peter Buckland Gallery, Saint John, NB.
2011 Silver Pond Series, Peter Buckland Gallery, Saint John, NB.
2007 Amber Young, Peter Buckland Gallery, Saint John, NB
2006 Pond Reflection Series, Peter Buckland Gallery, Saint John, NB.
2004 Reflections, Peter Buckland Gallery, Saint John, NB.
1996 Figurative Abstraction , Aitken Bicentennial Exhibition Centre Saint John, NB.
GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2024 Wildflowers, Gallery 78, Fredericton, NB (forthcoming)
2023 Near/Far, Gallery 78, Fredericton, NB
2007 Marion McCain Atlantic Art Exhibition, Fredericton, NB
2005 Four Artists: Amber Young, Alexandrya Eaton, Kim Atlin and Julie Duschenes,
Peter Buckland Gallery, Saint John, NB.
2000 Recent Paintings, Libertine Café, Halifax, NS.
1995 Group Drawing Exhibition, Anna Leonowens Gallery, Halifax, NS.
1994 Group Drawing Exhibition, Anna Leonowens Gallery, Halifax, NS.
EDUCATION
2002 Bachelor of Art Education, Mount Saint Vincent University/Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, Specialist program, Halifax, NS
1997-99 Studied traditional Chinese ink and brush painting under the teacher Hwang Lu De, Tainan, Taiwan
1995-96 Studied Ceramics at Sheridan College, Oakville, ON
1995 Bachelor of Fine Art, Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, Halifax, NS
MURALS & GRANTS
2019 Hampton Community Pool Mural, Hampton, NB
2017 Hampton Community Rink/Legion, Hampton, NB
2012 ‘Pictures From Within’ project/show at Saint John Regional Hospital, Funded by ArtsNB
CURATORIAL PROJECTS
2023 SJHS IB Art exhibition, Trinity Galleries, Saint John, NB
2022 Spring In Our Step, SJHS IB Art exhibition, Paris Crew Gallery, Saint John, NB
2021 Unmasked, SJHS IB Art exhibition, Saint John Arts Centre, Saint John, NB
2020 SJHS IB Art exhibition, Saint John Arts Centre, Saint John, NB
2019 In This Place, SJHS IB Art exhibition, Saint John Arts Centre, Saint John, NB
2018 SJHS IB Art exhibition, Saint John Arts Centre, Saint John, NB
2017 Through Our Eyes, SJHS Art exhibition, Saint John Arts Centre, Saint John, NB
2016 SJHS IB Art exhibition, Saint John Arts Centre, Saint John, NB
2015 SJHS IB Art exhibition, Saint John Arts Centre, Saint John, NB
2013 Connections, SJHS IB Art exhibition, Saint John Arts Centre, Saint John, NB
2012 SJHS IB Art exhibition, Saint John Art Centre, Saint John, NB
COLLECTIONS
Bank of Montreal, Moncton, Ralph Green & Associates, SJ, TD Bank, SJ, Deloitte Touche, SJ, TD Bank Financial Group, Toronto, RBC Dominion Securities, SJ, Tellus, Toronto, Vault 15, SJ
PUBLICATIONS
2007 Site/Specific/Sight Publication, Beaverbrook Art Gallery, Fredericton, NB
2007 Tableau – The magazine of the Beaverbrook Art Gallery – cover image
2006 Telegraph Journal article, ‘Remember, Paint Repeat’, Saint John, NB
2005 The Tree article ‘Pools of Wonder’ , Saint John, NB
2005 Telegraph Journal article, Saint John, NB
