Currently a sophomore in pursuit of her B.F.A. in painting, Amelia Phythian’s multimedia work is quickly gaining momentum in the Atlanta art scene. From Zine Fest to Open Studio and with commissions for her work from United States to Europe, Phythian’s unusual aesthetic of exploring personal sexuality and gender issues provokes a sense of intimacy with an interesting edge.
I spent some time with her one afternoon to ask her some of my favorite questions.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Drinking tequila, dancing to The Bee Gees, wearing a fabulous outfit.
What is your greatest fear?
Cockroaches.
Which living person do you most admire?
My mum and dad – they are the kindest and most caring.
Who has inspired your work the most (living or dead)?
All the mean boys at high school. Every Steely Dan record. Every Gaspard Noe film.
What trait about yourself do you most dislike?
Selfishness.
What trait do you most deplore in others?
Lying.
What trait do you most value in your friends?
Fabulousness.
What talent would you most like to have?
Tap dance.
What is your most treasured possession?
My rat – Ringo.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
More focus.
Where would you love to live?
Tijuana.
What is it about SCAD that you like the most?
Being back in school and being serious about it.
As of now, what is the most valuable thing you feel you have learned at SCAD?
How to use the facilities to make the work I want to make.
What would you like to see in the future at SCAD?
More Girl power!
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Staying true to myself no matter where I am.