Red Collar Studios began with a love of relief woodcuts. The tactile nature of carving and the power in multiples provided the kind of mindfulness Amy was seeking in her work. She also loved the history of printmaking and the power it gave to the people. Reading, writing, and the knowledge that came with it was previously reserved only for the wealthy. When the Gutenberg Press was created, the proliferation of text educated the masses and they gained the ability to organize and rise up. Now, in this age of technology, we have to sift thru a constant stream of information and misinformation. The biggest result of having the internet at our fingers is our exposure to advertising and marketing. They do their best to convince us that we need the next best thing and throw away culture means quality continues to go down in the construction and material of our items. Like the hoarding of information, clothing used to be a way that the wealthy distinguished themselves from the poor and disenfranchised. But like the printing press, fashion and sewing can be transformative tools.

Your clothing does not need to be the finished product! Think of garments as a jumping off point. Sizes exist for production purposes and to make us look all the same. Our bodies are so different and those bodies come with not only physical differences but our internalized insecurities from outside forces. A good place to start is with items already in your closet or thrifted garments. Red Collar Studios offers alterations as an easy access into finding or refining your style. Sometimes it doesn’t take much when it comes to fitting in your clothes. A dart or a hem can do wonders! Style is like any skill, you just have to practice. And that’s what Red Collar Studios is here for. NO JOB TOO SMALL!

Amy’s up-cycled works mix printmaking, quilting, and sewing techniques together. The result is a one of a kind piece that plays with fabrics, volumes, and proportions to redefine how we see our bodies. Most importantly, everything should have pockets! Amy is a big believer that art can be beautiful and functional. We can all look good in clothes but not the same. Red Collar Studios focuses on reducing waste by incorporating scraps from previous projects and unconventional materials such as blankets and sheets. All thrifted and donated materials go thru a thorough washing process. Amy is always looking for new ways to up-cycle as the process can be limited by the resources that are available. REDUCE AND REUSE!