Amy Wetsch

BIO

Amy is a multidisciplinary artist and educator originating from Louisville, Kentucky, currently based in Durham, NC. Amy’s practice spans from creating installations, paintings, drawings, mixed media sculptures, to publicly engaged works. Amy received her BFA from Western Kentucky University and her MFA from the Maryland Institute College of Art. Amy has exhibited her work in various galleries and museums, including The Kentucky Museum, The National Academy of Sciences, and in galleries throughout NYC. She has attended multiple artist residencies such as SÍM in Iceland, Superbude in Austria, and Works on Water in NYC. She has been selected for various honors such as a Johns Hopkins Extreme Arts Fellow, a National Academy of Sciences Fellow, and a More Art Engaging Artist Fellow. Amy is also a lead artist on the newly selected NASA mission, Dragonfly.

STATEMENT

My work explores biological and geological processes that push the boundaries of human comprehension, often beyond our current field of vision and technological capabilities. I am particularly captivated by extremophiles, microorganisms that thrive in extreme conditions such as deep-sea hydrothermal vents or volcanic rock. My practice examines how Earth's diverse environments support life against all odds, drawing parallels to the human condition. Just as extremophiles adapt in harsh habitats, individuals can navigate challenges and flourish within their own constraints. This interest originated from my fascination with “invisible” disorders of the human body, stemming from my own autoimmune diagnosis as a child. Through this exploration, I highlight the delicate balance of resilience and fragility in both nature and human experience.

My practice is rooted in collaboration, as I work with scientists from various fields to better understand the groundbreaking research and technologies they employ to comprehend the world around us. I often incorporate recycled laboratory equipment into my work, such as copper gaskets, repurposing them into artifacts that reflect their scientific origins. My works emerge from rigorous experimentation with materials like paper pulp, salts, sands, and glass, transforming them into forms and surfaces that are otherworldly, yet familiar. My installations often convey a sense of vitality through movement, using rotating elements and bubbling liquids to create interactive environments.

By unveiling Earth's hidden processes and lifeforms, I aim to deepen appreciation and advocacy for our extraordinary environment, while connecting people with the wonder of the human imagination and our shared human experience.