Mid-Century Modern is our JAM. The crisp lines, bold shapes and colors... what's not to love?!
Seattle-based artist Amber Leaders creates cheerful MCM art that takes our favorite aesthetic and gives it a modern day feel. Her collection of prints, cards and pins will be available at Click! throughout August.
Meet Amber and get first-dibs on her sweet assortment of work during West Seattle Art Walk on August 8th from 5-8p.
How would you describe what you make?
I create Mid-Century Modern art for your home. I’ve expanded beyond art prints and also design cards, tea towels, pins and stickers. If you have seen my work you know I love bold colors!
Can you tell us about your favorite piece in the current collection?
That’s so hard! I love each one for different reasons. With that said, I think I would pick the “Mom’s Orchid” print as one of my favorites. I collaborated with my mom and created her favorite flower. It was a little tricky making something as complex as an orchid and boiling it down to very simple shapes and suggestions. I have two colorway options because each colorway represents each of us. My mom is big on purple and yellow while one of my favorite color combinations are orange and blue together.
If you could collaborate with anyone (living or not), who would it be and why?
Collaborating my mom was pretty awesome and special. However, if I was to choose an artist I would pick Orla Kiely! I’m obsessed with her bold colors and patterns. I have a few of her colorful bags!
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
The best piece of advice I have received is, “do what you love to do, life is short.” And to trust your instincts. You know that gut feeling you get when you think you are going in the right direction but are not entirely sure? I use that gut feeling for my business and for making big decisions. I think we all have it but it takes practice tapping into that feeling and trusting it. I’m still practicing :)
Can you describe your favorite part of the process in your work?
My favorite part is after I make my coffee in the morning, I go straight to my computer and sketch designs. I actually pick out my palette that I want to work with and then sketch out the subject. I like to pick colors first because they make me happy to look at them.
What are you listening to when you’re in the studio?
I love reality tv so I’ll usually have some season of the Real Housewives on. If I don’t have any Reality TV on in the background, I have a pretty wide range of music. I love 80’s, 90’s, Folk and Acoustic Covers.
What is your most treasured handmade possession?
I have a bracelet I wear everyday by Love Squared Designs. The bracelet is cuff bracelet made by a very talented artist who puts metal engraved messages on her bracelets. The bracelet has my dog’s name on it. He passed away last year so it’s very special to me.
