Empowering
Aesthetic
In my creative journey, I explore fantasy to portray empowered women. They emerge as strong protagonists, commanding attention and respect. My female figures offer a vision where strength and femininity are not mutually exclusive, but rather intrinsically intertwined.
My process unfolds through the dynamic application of layers—gesso, mediums, graphite, and acrylic paint—in a spirited and unrestrained manner. As I paint, my own stories become entwined within the evolving layers, creating a nuanced and veiled narrative. The deliberate choice to render faces abstractly encourages viewers to actively engage, prompting them to unearth their unique interpretations within the artwork.
Ultimately, my art serves as a celebration of the female spirit. It is a testament to the enduring power of imagination and the transformative potential of storytelling. My hope is that my work inspires others to embrace the fantastical possibilities that lie within each of us.
BIO
Pam Hamilton, a native of Springfield, Illinois, recalls carefree days spent riding her bike and playing kick-the-can when everything was groovy. Her artistic journey began with the simple pages of a coloring book.
Transitioning to Southern Illinois University, Pam set aside her crayons and brushes to pursue graphic design. Graduating with degrees in both Fine Art and Visual Communications, she embarked on a successful career in design. However, the allure of traditional art mediums beckoned her back, and she now finds herself immersed once again in the world of brushes and canvas.
Pam’s artistic endeavors have graced solo and group exhibitions across the Midwest and Southeastern United States, with her works finding homes in private collections worldwide. Her talent has been recognized with numerous awards and grants, affirming her dedication and skill.
Currently based in her home studio, Pam continues to create, while also sharing her expertise through curation, teaching, and mentoring. Despite the less-than-glamorous aspects of transporting paintings in the back of a minivan, Pam maintains, “I’m the luckiest girl in the world!” Her life is back to groovy.
Awards and Grants
1st Place, Painting — Printer's Row Art Festival 2023, 2022
1st Place, Painting — Evanston Art and Big Fork 2019, 2018, 2015
3rd Place, Painting — Port Clinton Art Festival 2022, 2017
Outstanding Achievement — Glencoe Art Fair 2024, 2022, 2019, 2017 - 2015
Outstanding Achievement — Gold Coast Art Fair, Chicago 2015
Painting Award — Grand Haven Art Festival, Michigan 2015, 2016
Lois Goodson Memorial Purchase Award — Quincy, IL 2014
Schuering Purchase Award — Quincy, IL 2012
Puffin Foundation Grant — Art Changing the View Project 2011
3rd Place Award — Mayslake Peabody Estate Art Exhibit 2009
Award of Merit — Oak Park, IL 2009
Exhibitions
Artistry of “She” - A Collective of Female Voices, Forest Park Gallery of Contemporary Art, 2024
Somewhere In Between Solo Exhibit, Perspectives Art Gallery, 2024
Home Again Solo Exhibit, Pharmacy Gallery, 2022
DIM Art Gallery, Springfield, 2020
Bijou Gallery, Featured Artist, 2018
Phoenix Gallery Knoxville, 2018
Hotel Indigo Nashville, 2018
Knoxville Mayor's Office, 2017-2018
Fountain City Art Center, 2017
Studio Oh Chicago, 2014-2016
Red Poppy Art Gallery, Lafayette, Indiana, 2013-2014
Strawn Art Gallery, Jacksonville, IL, 2012
Mana Contemporary, CrystalB Designs Fashion Show, 2013
Lacuna Artist Lofts Gallery, Chicago, 2012
Bridgeport Art Gallery, Chicago, 2-person show, “Urban Nature” 2011
Bridgeport Art Gallery, Chicago, “Vision Becomes Reality” 2011
Bridge Gallery, Chicago, 2010-2011
Aloft Hotel, Bolingbrook, IL, 2010
Private Estate, Springfield, IL, 2010
Framing Mode Art Gallery, Chicago “Stories of Old” 2010
BAC Gallery, Chicago, “Artists Respond to the Gulf Oil Spill” 2010