K I D S
an eye for color and
entrepreneurship MEET A HIGH SCHOOL FRESHMAN LEARNING THE BUSINESS OF ART
A
BY ANNA-RHESA VERSOLA
mber Ross, 14, cannot
remember a time without art. “I was really, honestly, just bored one day,” Amber says, recalling a moment three years ago when inspiration first struck. “I had the supplies so I put something together that I found on the internet, like an inspiration photo, and then I put my own spin on it. And that was my first acrylic painting.” A family friend saw the abstract work – with glitter on a gradient background of pink blending into blue – and bought the piece on the spot. Since then, Amber and her mom (and biggest fan), Shvaughn Ross, sought support from WEBB Squared, a Pittsboro-based organization that helps Black and brown entrepreneurs. Amber is learning how to put together a business plan for Pink Ladybug Creations, inspired by her childhood nickname, Ladybug, and exploring how best to market her work. For the time being, she has set up a booth at local pop-up markets and posts her work in an online marketplace called ArtPal and also on Facebook and Instagram. Recently, Amber joined the Chatham Arts Council’s artist directory to gain more exposure. She has sold a few acrylic abstract paintings – mostly 8-by-8 -or 11-by-14-inch pieces – and about a dozen prints and also accepts commissions.
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PHOTO BY JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON
CHATHAM MAGAZINE
This academic year, Amber entered Northwood High School as a freshman and
My art demonstrates the idea [that] you can accomplish many great things if you are determined. – Amber Ross
FEBRUARY / MARCH 2023
took a break from painting. “I was getting adjusted to everything. It’s pretty hectic,” she says. “But the other day, I made another piece. And that was very relaxing. I forgot how good it makes me feel. I just really enjoy it. It’s very calming.” At Northwood, Amber is exploring other forms of art, like sketching, in classes taught by Leslie Burwell. “I was encouraged to keep trying and practicing and actually got decent at it,” Amber says. “And yeah, I enjoy that now.” Leslie says Amber is organized and has a business sensibility when it comes to asking questions in art class. “She is very direct,” she says. “Her painting style is all about color! She had been a mentor to students at her table. All attributes of a leader.” Amber is looking forward to developing her skills and plans to offer more merchandise, like puzzles, T-shirts and mugs, that features her artwork. She hopes to inspire other young people of color to pursue their dreams. “Honestly, I didn’t think we’d get as far as we did. But I’m really glad that we did,” Amber says. “I just want to work harder. I want to invest more time into the things that I enjoy doing. And [spend time with] my mother because I really appreciate her and I wouldn’t be where I am now without her.”