Amelia Collins specializes in 2D design, with a focus on acrylic and oil painting, digital design, and photography. Drawing deeply from personal experience, Collins sees art as a process of introspection. ” My sense of self is one of the main things that inspire me; as an artist creating works you have to dig deep inside yourself to come up with something that truly has a voice and brings to life your emotions and experiences that fuel your passion for art.” Her art is fueled by this emotional honesty and her evolving sense of self.

One of her most intimate works, Self-Portrait: Comfort, is a black-and-white photograph she developed herself in the darkroom — a skill she honed under the guidance of Professor Mace. The image features her exposed back, a handwritten note with the word “comfort” gently held behind her. The high-contrast lighting carves out stark shadows and soft highlights, inviting the viewer into a moment of personal vulnerability. Collins shared that displaying this piece was frightening yet she felt a strong desire to place the portrait on display — it forced her out of her comfort zone, while visually expressing the idea that sometimes, we must learn to be our own source of comfort. As she puts it, “You’re the only one who really has a shot at understanding yourself.”

In a very different yet equally striking piece, Chinese Dragon Silk Painting, Collins demonstrates her boldness in technique and vision. The painting, created using the delicate and fast-paced silk painting method, captures a sweeping Chinese landscape — mountains, ocean, and a setting sun, all punctuated by a small boat and solitary rower. Towering above it all is an immense dragon, both a part of the landscape and set apart from it. The dragon clutches one of the cliffs, its presence commanding, while the rower below appears completely unaware of the mythical creature’s looming form. Collins chose to work in larger sections than is typical for silk painting — a risky decision in this unforgiving medium, but one that ultimately paid off.

Collins who loves experimenting with new mediums and techniques says. “It gives me the chance to figure out what mediums suit me best, to keep growing as an artist, and to hopefully develop my own artistic brand someday.”

Through technical exploration and emotional honesty, Amelia Collins continues to push the boundaries of her practice, creating work that is not only visually compelling but deeply personal.