Amber Stanton

Amber Stanton, raised in both New York City and Connecticut, began painting and drawing in early childhood. Growing up in 1980s New York, she developed a love for street and graffiti art, while her time in Connecticut fostered a deep respect for nature. These dual influences continue to shape her work today, along with the creative guidance of her parents, the artists Britt and Eric Stanton, whose impact is visible in the textured, sensual dreamscapes she creates.

During her teenage years, Stanton attended figure drawing classes at the Art Students League on 57th Street and learned about comic book illustration from her father. These experiences fueled her interest in figurative art and led her to study at the Lyme Academy in Connecticut and the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan, where she earned her BFA in painting. After graduation, Stanton’s focus shifted to self-portraiture, through which she discovered a natural symbolism in her work that revealed insights into her past, present, and future.

Stanton's paintings depict sensual and imaginative representations of herself, women, and animals. Her art evokes emotion and imagination, often carrying a sense of depth and tension between opposing forces of narrative and vibrant color. She believes imagination and reality are equally important and enjoys exploring how the two intertwine to shape her art. For Stanton, art is a powerful means of expressing emotions and ideas that words alone cannot convey, offering viewers an organic, surreal, and deeply enchanting experience.

Her artworks are held in private collections in New York, San Francisco, London, Australia, Norway, and at Yale University. Stanton currently lives in Chester, Connecticut.

Divine Union, 2007-2009
Oil on canvas
36 x 60 inches

Evening Star, 2010
Oil on wood
48 x 50 inches

Kundalini, 2011
Acrylic and oil on wood
29.5 x 41.25 inches

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Soon, Oh Soon the Light, 2008
Oil on canvas
36 x 30 inches

The Black Hole, the Seven Ravens, and the Eighth Being, 2007
Oil on canvas
48 x 36 inches

Exploring the Dreamscapes of Amber Stanton

“The work of Amber Stanton takes us on a mesmerizing journey into the depths of the subconscious. A visionary painter, she crafts vivid and often erotic landscapes that serve as tangible manifestations of her dreams. Through her evocative canvases, she invites viewers to traverse lush surreal landscapes where she frequently depicts herself, unabashedly nude, cavorting amidst scenes that blur the lines between fantasy and reality.

Stanton’s artistry is deeply rooted in the exploration of the self, both physically and psychologically. Much like the great biographical women artists before her, such as Frida Kahlo and Cindy Sherman, Stanton fearlessly confronts notions of identity, femininity, and desire through her work. She takes us on a magical journey into the collective unconscious similar to the surrealist artists Leonora Carrington and Remedios Varo, into the realm of dreams and spirit, where the subconscious reigns supreme and inhibitions are left behind.

Central to Stanton’s oeuvre is the portrayal of herself in various states of undress within her dreamscapes. Through her bold nudity, she challenges societal norms and constructs surrounding the female body, reclaiming agency over her own image in a manner reminiscent of Kahlo’s unapologetic self-portraits. Yet, while Kahlo’s work often delved into the realm of pain and suffering, Stanton’s paintings exude a sense of liberation and empowerment. The landscapes themselves are lush and otherworldly, serving as the backdrop for Stanton’s exploration of desire and spirituality.

Stanton’s work is not without controversy, as the overtly erotic nature of her paintings often sparks debate. Yet, it is precisely this provocative quality that makes her art so compelling. By fearlessly exploring themes of sexuality and desire, Stanton challenges viewers to confront their own preconceptions and biases, opening up a dialogue about the intersection of art, sexuality, and identity.”

-Dolphina Jones