Trauma journalism, social activism, igniting and changing conversations, and telling stories in a visual way are all integral part of Amy Putman’s life. Amy is a collagist and mixed media artist with a passion for issues of social justice. She helped create and brand the Million Mom March for Common Sense Gun Laws with her logo and slogan “Looking for a Few Good Moms.” 

Amy says: “I am drawn to texture, materials pattern, and color in their own right. Working with found objects expands my visual vocabulary. These materials, each of which brings its own history and associations, give a deeper and multi-dimensional reading to the work, work I hope will ignite conversation.”

Participating in artist groups, non-profit organizations, art community adds to her depth and breadth of the work she creates. She is a Trustee of the Montclair Art Museum in New Jersey, SKIP of New York and the Trust for Trauma Journalism, a founding member of the New York Collage Ensemble, and Co-Chair of the Artists and Talent Peer Group for the Impact Guild. Her studio is in Manufacturer’s Village Artists, East Orange, New Jersey.

Key takeaways

1. “I have an obligation to myself to not run away from what I have to say.”
2. You have to fill your puzzle box with all the pieces before you put the puzzle together.
3. Being out there in the world helps you become aware of what’s relevant and is inspirational for the art.
4. Art is an adventure. Keep growing, as a person, and bring those adventures to your art.
5. Art is definitely therapy, whether you know it or not.
6. Know when to say no, but remember to say YES to opportunities!

Amy Putman

Amy Putman on Instagram

The Jealous Creator - Deborah Roberts episode 190, Bisa Butler episode 185

Austin Kleon

Million Mom March

NY Collage Ensemble

The Camp Gallery – The Contemporary Art Modern Project Gallery

Tish Lampert