Dr. Amber Epps on Humanism and HollyHood
Dr. Amber Epps is a Pittsburgh-based creative with doctorates of education and science, combining concepts of social justice and prison reform with her own life experiences and emotions to create impactful physical and musical projects. Her art form takes shape through her visual art and writing, as well as her persona HollyHood, a hip-hop artist using rap to create stories evocative of the life experiences of herself and those around her.
Established in the Pittsburgh scene, Amber is a member of the #notwhite collective wherein she, alongside 12 other artists, furthers her declaration of existence, liberation, and truth through art-making. Amber has had works exhibited in many galleries across Pittsburgh, including an installation of Homage at the Pittsburgh International Airport.
In addition to her own artistic practices, Amber is also the newly announced Executive Director of literary nonprofit Write Pittsburgh, following a two-year stint as the leader of Protohaven, Pittsburgh’s premier makerspace.
Speaking with Amber, however, makes it difficult to remember she has accomplished so much, including three publications, a playwright and production, and serving as a facilitator and collaborator of the book “Life Sentences: Writing from Inside an American Prison,” a compilation that is organized based on the pillars of restorative justice, that includes writings from her brother, Oscar Brown, as well as other men who were incarcerated at SCI Pittsburgh who were members of the Elsinore Bennu Think Tank for Restorative Justice. She is full of knowledge, ideas, and wisdom, creating a safe and humble dynamic during conversation: the realization that she has instilled and communicated so much is only obvious upon reflection.
There is no doubt, then, that Amber’s career will continue to blossom; her extensive resume is destined to grow tenfold. (Which we know is true as she shared some information on future projects below!)
We asked Amber, who is a former Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council grantee and serves on the nonprofit’s Learning and Leadership Committee for the Racial Equity and Arts Funding in Greater Pittsburgh research, to share her outlooks and artistic processes. (This interview has been condensed for space and clarity).
Do you have a preference of creative outlet to work with (writing, art, music, etc)? Do you find yourself gravitating towards one purposefully or naturally?
Definitely spray painting things. I don't know why, I love just spray painting things, and words. I really love doing things with words, whether it's music, spoken word, or just writing some provocative statement I do. Earlier in the year, I published a book called mushroom logic, vol. 1: doves can't cry. that’s stupid. It's 100 things that I've written on magic mushrooms. When working, I almost feel like the idea tells me what to do, almost like it guides me. It’s like “This is the way you need to make this happen.” So it's not even like the process is completely up to me. I feel like it goes back to: what do I already have on hand?
In your opinion, what role does art and expression play in society? Does this inform your creative process?
I think there are a number of roles, but the ones I want to talk about right now are spreading ideas or awareness or creating consciousness about something. A lot of times people make art or music or write things because that's how they're expressing themselves. And it's very powerful for a lot of people who feel like they're overlooked or unseen or unheard. So it gives a voice to the voiceless. And there, especially in the United States, where we supposedly have free speech, we know that things can be really weird. So you can't really always just say what it is you want to say. So there's ways you can say it, though, through your art and with a message that can be really clear to you, but it can make other people think and come up with their own interpretation. That does inform my creative process because I always think about, what am I? What am I trying to do here? What do I want people to think about? What am I trying to say with this? I have a piece called Birth of a Nation, and it's a replica of the Constitution that I've bled all over, and I did not cut myself to bleed on it. So, you know, it's like, for me that represents, you know, all of the blood, sweat and tears that Black and Brown people have put into creating this country.
How do you handle live performances? What advice would you give a beginner performer?
I don't even know if I have a way that I handle performances. I just do them. I do still get nervous. And I always am, like, “I can't wait till this is over,” and then when it's over, I'm, like, “Oh, man, that was really fun. I'll do it again. I love it.” I've always loved being on stage in front of people since I was a little girl. Being an entertainer is something I've always wanted to do. For beginning performers, I would say to just practice and perform at events when you can, even if there's only two people there, perform as if there's 200 there. And if you should get nervous, you should be nervous. When you get nervous, you're, like, “Oh no, I'm gonna mess up and be horrible, or they're gonna hate it.” Or “Oh, are they gonna think that I suck? Are they gonna be worried about what I have on?” You need to remind yourself that they came there to see you perform. So go give them what they came to see you do.
How can the Pittsburgh community continue to support your work?
Hire me for things! Art commissions or live performances. I also DJ. I'm currently working on something called the Gallery of Rejected Art. That's all I'm gonna say about it. Just watch out for the Gallery of Rejected Art.
For more information on Dr. Amber Epps, visit her website amberepps.com and hollyhood156.com.