Artist Statement
The glide of the saw blade through metal, hammering to create form and texture, filing to smooth rough edges, and torching to join pieces- is a slow meticulous, and methodical process that demands patience and focus. With each step I slow down, center myself, and find calm, guiding my mind toward clarity and resilience. For me the process itself is the art; the finished piece is a meaningful reward- a symbol of patience, care and connection to place. I am deeply inspired by the timeless beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The ancient Blue Ridge Mountains, with their weathered peaks and enduring presence, embody resilience and groundedness, standing as a testament to the strength and stability forged through time. I look to their quiet strength to shape my work, influencing both the form and spirit of all I create.
Amber O’Brien, born in Toronto, Ontario, moved to Western North Carolina at the age of four. Immersed in the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, she developed a deep appreciation for hiking through its forests and for the vibrant art and architecture scene in nearby Asheville.
With a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design and 13 years of experience specializing in kitchen design, Amber eventually encountered burnout and a creative void, compounded by anxiety and panic disorder. This led her to discover metalsmithing—a craft that rekindled her artistic spirit and provided a therapeutic outlet.
Amber's passion for creating is deeply rooted in her upbringing in a family of artists and makers, especially her father, whose work designing and building stunning timber frame structures greatly inspired her journey.