East Hampton - Continuing with our artist profiles of artists both living and working in the Hamptons, our next artist is Amy Zerner, who lives in East Hampton (Springs).

Artist Amy Zerner. (Monte Farber)

Artist Amy Zerner moved to East Hampton when she was 16, has lived here on the East End ever since. Working mostly in collage, the materials she uses in her work are lush and detailed with the overall result being a piece of art made opulent with many layers of magic and meaning. She has exhibited locally for many years, and was the recipient of the prestigious National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship in the category of Painting.

Not only does Zerner create mystical dreamscapes to hang like paintings; she also designs one-of-a-kind "Spiritual Couture" jackets, coats, and caftans which are sold exclusively through Bergdorf Goodman in NYC. The artist often works with her clients to discover that individual's persona, then translates the information into their unique combination of colors, symbols and energies. Her fashions are in the collections of Elizabeth Taylor, Oprah Winfrey, Patti LaBelle, Shirley MacLaine and Martha Stewart, among other notable women.

Zerner's art is also the basis for numerous books she has produced with her husband of 35 years, author Monte Farber. These include the coffee table art book "Paradise Found: The Visionary art of Amy Zerner," "The Chakra Meditation Kit, "Goddess, Guide Me," "The Mystic Messenger" and many more, with over two million copies in print in 14 languages. In addition, Zerner and Farber have their own "Enchanted World" shelves at every Barnes & Noble store.

Some of the many books written by Zerner and Farber.

When did you start making art and what medium(s) do you consider to be your roots in art?

Amy Zerner: My grandfather, Clayton Spicer, was a painter. One of my first memories in life is sitting on his knee when I was three, painting leaves on the trees of one of his paintings, his hand guiding mine. For this and many other reasons, I cannot remember a time when I did not think of myself as an artist. I just always felt like being an artist was my natural state.

My mother, Jessie Spicer Zerner, was also an artist and made her living as a children's book illustrator, so making my living as a professional artist was always a normal thing for me to do. I was really always encouraged and always had lots of materials around and I was more or less raised that way. I have never worked as anything other than an artist; I have never even considered it.

"The Empress" from "The Enchanted Tarot" by Amy Zerner and Monte Farber.

Looking back now, I see how my own art career has included elements from the careers of my mother and grandfather. I have been a commercial artist and a writer, but first a painter back in the 1970s. However, when paint seemed too inadequate a medium to convey the multidimensional nature of life I was beginning to see and tune into, I started making paintings out of layered, collaged fabric, trimmings, appliqués, ribbons, and found objects.

What is it about the Hamptons that brought you here and enticed you to stay, work, and pursue your art here as opposed to some place else?

AZ: In 1967, when I was 16, my mother and father had had it with the small town in Pennsylvania where I grew up. However, I didn't want to move. My poor parents pulled out a map of New York State and said, "Doesn't anything on this map look good to you?" It was the first time I used what I now call my Ouija® finger, Ouija® being Parker Brothers' trademarked name for their version of a talking board like the "Psychic Circle" and "The Enchanted Spellboard" that I designed - two of our bestselling titles.

I sort of turned my finger around and around and pointed at a place on the map called Springs, and they said, "OK!", and then they actually drove out here and bought the house we live in now! When they arrived (in 1967) they called me up from there and said, "Amy, you're going to love it! DeKooning lives right down the block!" I said, "Who is DeKooning?" I was only 16 years old, but it turned out to be so auspicious, to move to this historical place, an artist's colony, with all of the artists' energies around here. I actually met Willem DeKooning several times. He used to ride his bicycle past our house and sometimes come and sit on our front lawn to chat with my father.

"Fulfillment" couture jacket available at Bergdorf Goodman.

By the way, I have used that "divination" technique, ever since, with my Ouija® finger, where I ask it to point to things that are lost, give us directions, or we have used it on lists to prioritize and give us 'yes's or no's.' I have even had my friends call me from around the world and ask to speak to my Ouija® finger. And I ended up writing many books with my husband - all about intuition, ancient wisdom, synchronicity, and prediction - life can be pretty magical, if you let it.

How do you support yourself as an artist?

AZ: I have always sold my artwork in one way or another. In 1990 I created "The Enchanted Tarot" deck because I wanted to make the most beautiful, gentle, and life-affirming tarot deck and it did really well, with its companion book by Monte. We just celebrated its 20th year in publishing. Our art is our life and our life is our art, and we're not just saying that!

We are each other's best friend and we love being with each other. We work together on every book project, though we do each have our own studio to work in. To date, we have created and published 45 books and kits, all illustrated with my art.

I am also a couture fashion designer, and I sell my one-of-a-kind art jackets, coats and caftans exclusively at Bergdorf Goodman, where I have been for 10 years. I love designing and creating, whether it's a book, a jacket, a piece of jewelry or a tapestry for the wall.

"Walking Through Paradise."

What local environmental or historical aspects of the Hamptons do you relate to that may be reflected in your medium?

AZ: When we drive around the Hamptons, we are always grateful to live here, touched by the great beauty and energy of this area. We are inspired by the magnificent swans in East Hampton's Town Pond, by the sparkles on the ocean waves, by the flowering trees, by the birds and the bees. We are very happy in our home and travel infrequently, because it is very special, healing and peaceful where we live. We have an enchanted garden - all of these inspirations are reflected in my work, as my collages are filled with spiritual gardens, goddesses and sacred sanctuaries.

What artists do you feel have influenced you and your work?

AZ: I always loved all of the Symbolist painters, the Pre-Rapaelites, Matisse, Art Nouveau, Art Deco illustration, the Surrealists - I could go on and on! And I also feel an affinity to the idealized neo-classical imagery of Maxfield Parrish. I share his strong desire and active efforts to have my work beautify the life and homes of those who perhaps cannot always afford original art. So I have a range of "products," from a $5.95 book to a $20,000 wall hanging.

"The Enchanted Spellboard" art by Amy Zerner.

What advice would you give an emerging artist?

AZ: In my way of looking at things, creativity is spirituality. We should honor these gifts in ourselves by using the powers of our creative source always and in all ways.

With any art, once you learn good basic skills and have a strong foundation of practice, you should feel free to be inventive and explore and create your own form of expression.

When you think 'Well, I want to write a book or I want to create this work of art, or I want to become a landscaper,' or whatever creativity you want to evolve, start to fantasize about it and make it real in your heart and soul - focus on what your dream really is. A dream is something that you are totally passionate about. And you have to get to know yourself. Being self-aware is a very important thing.

"Lakshmi: Goddess of Abundance" from "Goddess Guide Me!" by Amy Zerner and Monte Farber.

If you really want to accomplish your creative goals, then there are sacrifices you have to make in other areas. If you are unable to make room in your life, unwilling to make those sacrifices, you can forget about the creative process. Don't think that it is going to happen without your giving up something.

What gives you an edge (if any)?

AZ: Meditation is the quieting of the mind, and that lets divine guidance flow in. When you are at one with what you are doing and totally immersed in it, not distracted, then your ego steps aside. To me that is working meditation. Creativity is like a relationship. You have to love it and you have to give your all to it. And if you're going to fuss around half way then its not going to work out.

And having a sense of humor can also give you an edge. It's important because you ARE going to get distracted sometimes. I think that if you apply your sense of humor to all different kinds of situations, you are going to get inventive ideas which are going to trigger other ideas - it is just like having a brainstorming session with yourself. That's the value of a sense of humor to me.

What are you working on now, and are you involved in any upcoming shows or exhibitions?

AZ: We have two books that just came out, "Tarot Secrets" and "Healing Crysals." Our specialty is taking an esoteric subject that would usually require years of study and translating it into an easy-to-understand illustrated book that brings its reader to a high degree of proficiency in a short time. And we just finished two new books that will come out in the Fall, "33 Ways To Tell Your Future" and "The Enchanted Birthday Book."

Book Cover.

I am also working on a new couture collection of my art-to-wear for my next show at Bergdorf Goodman in early September.

I have been designing jewelry for awhile, and have just finished designing a new zodiac collection, along with other good luck symbol pendants. Each of my silver and gold talismans is imbued with the classical sense of style and beauty that I hope distinguishes my Spiritual Couture fashions.

Locally, this summer, I will have a box in the Box Auction charity for the East End Hospice in July. Monte will be the auctioneer. We will also be signing our books at Author's Night, the East Hampton Library fundraiser in August. And we will be participating in "50 Years, 50 Artists," the art event to honor Dan's Papers - I will be showing both my art and fashions that night, August 21. Monte will also be the auctioneer!

To view more of Amy Zerner's work go to www.TheEnchantedWorld.com .

Amy Zerner in her Springs studio. (Jon Reed)