Q + A: Artist Amber Goldhammer

Artist Amber Goldhammer has had lots of success in recent years. She is best known for creating vibrant, abstract paintings with a street art edginess. Building upon layers of bold colors and sweeping gestural movements, her works include positive messages of love and hope, written in a graffiti-style script. We stopped by her sunny studio at 1307 Pico for a chat, and were given a warm welcome and embrace.

Welcome to Pico Boulevard! What made you choose Pico for your art studio?  

Thank you! I have always lived in Santa Monica and had a studio at Bergamot Station where I was surrounded by other galleries and artists. My building was torn down to make way for a restaurant, so I decided to try a new environment in DTLA. I quickly knew I needed to be back in my beach community. I looked at over 20 spaces in Santa Monica before finding my gem of a studio on Pico. I absolutely love it! The neighborhood is a perfect fit and full of vibrant people, great shops and other local artists. 

Where did you grow up?

I’m from Portland, Oregon, and I had a very creative grandmother who instilled a love of art in me. We spent hours exploring painting, photography, sewing, and jewelry making. I also had a deep connection to performance art and was a gymnast for many years. Injuries forced me to stop, but my painting continued.

Now Los Angeles is your home.

My love of painting led me to L.A. I studied under master artist and mentor, Rassouli, the founder of the Fusionart movement that aims to marry Eastern mysticism with Western art techniques. It is guided by a “fusion” of artistic expression from the heart, reflecting “what is felt, rather than what is observed.” 

How did I LOVE YOU become a hallmark of your paintings and artworks?

As love and joy are key emotions in one’s life, I created a stylistic and edgy street art series which incorporates “I Love You” writing throughout the artworks. They are at the core, abstract, yet the writing is a powerful meaning in a cool and hip, street graffiti way. This has become my signature style and has been featured all over the world in galleries, art fairs, murals and hotels. 

What merchants do you go to on Pico?

I absolutely love the vibe at Lunetta. Plus there’s outdoor seating on a beautiful day so it’s become a staple. I buy a lot of paint at Sherwin Williams, grab brunch on weekends at Shutters, get coffee most mornings at Groundworks next to Whole Foods and trust car and tire advice from Byron Woodley Tire.

Pico is known for its murals. What do you think of that given your artistry?

I absolutely love the energy murals give a neighborhood like Pico! It brings community together which is the main goal and provides awareness to local businesses that may have been overlooked walking or driving by. A mural can capture the essence of a neighborhood and style of the people. It’s a win win.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about the City of Angels.

I love that I can put my feet in the ocean and 30 minutes later, have the most amazing dumplings in an underground restaurant in DTLA. I love that I live in a city that the world wants to see and explore. From palm trees to skid row. It’s all worth experiencing.