Meet Ami Turner – Purser | Artist/Lecturer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ami Turner – Purser and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ami, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
A creative path is rarely straightforward. Self-motivation and follow-through are essential—after all, we’re our own bosses, and it’s up to us to push our ideas through to the end. That can feel like an uphill climb, and at times, incredibly isolating.

So why not just give up? I’ve certainly considered it.

When I became a mom to two little boys, I made the difficult decision to release myself from the pressure of achieving big, art-world goals. It was hard to admit that I was struggling to do it all well. I wanted to be fully present with my children and fully present in my art-making—but I couldn’t give both the attention they deserved at the same time. That was the first time I thought I might give up.

The second came 12 years ago, when my husband and I started a business together. The demands were far greater than we had imagined. There simply weren’t enough hours in the day to get everything done—and still have the creative energy left to paint.

Still, I made a promise to myself: I would keep pursuing art in some form, just to keep a few toes in the water. I taught classes when schedules allowed and took on commissioned paintings when I could. I felt that giving up wasn’t an option. Being an artist—or a creative of any kind—is deeply tied to personal identity. I don’t really know myself if I’m not making and creating.

Over time, I’ve learned a lot about dreams and goals. Becoming an accomplished artist with a successful career doesn’t happen overnight—it takes a lifetime. And within that lifetime, there will be twists and turns. I’ve learned to give myself the time I need to grow and develop as an artist, even if I had hoped it would all happen years ago.

What matters is to keep going, even if the going is slow.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
About six years ago, I adopted a new approach to my artmaking. I needed to reconnect with the fun and wonder of simply creating. Watching my young students dive into their projects with joy and enthusiasm made me realize how much I missed that feeling—and I wanted to get it back.

So, I gave myself permission to spend a full year experimenting. I followed any idea that popped into my head and sparked my curiosity. I didn’t overthink it, and I let go of any preconceived notions. I approached materials as if I were a beginner. I let myself play.

I set aside the pressure of building an impressive portfolio. Some experiments turned into nothing more than messes—but for the first time, that didn’t matter. Other times, my play led to ideas and techniques that were worth developing. In fact, many of the processes I use today were born from those no-expectation days.

It was incredibly liberating. I felt more creative than I had in years.

I learned so much about myself as an artist—what inspires me, what materials I love, and what kind of work I truly resonate with. After that year of exploration, I began entering shows again and eventually moved into solo and small group exhibitions.

I continue to implement what I learned during that time. And I hope I never lose touch with the joy of the process again.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’ve lived in Grand Junction since I was two years old, and I’ve seen it grow and change in so many ways. One of my favorite things about living in the Grand Valley is the incredible variety of nature that surrounds our town.

If I had just one day to experience it all, I’d start bright and early with a morning hike on one of the many beautiful desert trails. After that, I’d drive over the Colorado National Monument and head into the town of Fruita for coffee and a bite at Bestslope Coffee—highly recommend the mocha! If time allows, paddleboarding at Fruita State Park would be a fun and refreshing stop.

Next, I’d explore Main Street in downtown Grand Junction. It’s a charming stretch filled with unique shops and local treasures. I’ve always loved browsing through Triple Play Records. Main Street is also a great place to find vintage items and one-of-a-kind gifts. For lunch, I’d stop at Café Sol for a healthy, locally sourced meal—perfectly paired with an art walk along Main Street.

We take great pride in our “Art on the Corner” tradition, which just celebrated its 40th year. My dad, along with a handful of local artists, helped launch this integration of public art and community. It’s a special part of our town’s identity.

No trip to the valley is complete without a tour through Palisade Wine Country. Exploring the vineyards and lavender farms is a wonderfully relaxing way to spend an afternoon. Be sure to grab some fresh local produce from a fruit stand—peaches are a must! Nearby Riverbend Park offers the perfect spot to sit under the cottonwood trees and share a peach or two.

If the timing is right, there might be a festival or farmers’ market happening—there are many throughout the valley during the warmer months. While Palisade has a wide range of excellent restaurants to choose from, lately I’ve been enjoying the food trucks at the Lowell Building on the corner of 7th and Grand in Junction. There’s often live music and a fun mix of vendors. My new favorite is Brutal Pie—they make the most delicious pizzas on a perfect sourdough crust!

These days, Grand Junction boasts a growing number of award-winning restaurants, so a dinner out is definitely a priority. To end the day, it’s always a treat to dress up a little and catch a live show. The Avalon Theatre on Main Street offers everything from symphony concerts to big-name comedians and bands. The brand-new Asteria Theatre on the Colorado Mesa University campus is also worth checking out—it hosts a range of performances and high-profile acts, and the campus itself is lovely for an evening stroll.

And if there’s still a little time left at the end of the night? A stop at Third Bowl, the newest ice cream shop right across from CMU, sounds like the perfect way to wrap up the day to me.

If I had a whole week to host a friend in my hometown, there would be even more to explore—a float down the river, a trip to the Grand Mesa, or camping under the star-filled desert sky never disappoints. With skiing in the winter, biking in the summer, concerts in the park, and the best pumpkin patch in the fall… honestly, anytime is a great time to visit Grand Junction.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
George Turner – My Dad. Fine Artist and My Greatest Art Mentor
Linda Turner – My Mom, a creative entrepreneur that taught me that anything can be homemade and handmade.

Britton Purser – My Husband and one who understands that need to pursue creativity no matter what. He values my art goals and encourages me to keep painting.

My Sons Alek and Luka – I want to make them proud. I want them to see me as an example of someone who is pursuing a dream. They motivate me every day!

Website: www.amipurser.com https://amipurser.com/

Instagram: amipurser https://www.instagram.com/amipurser/?hl=en

Image Credits
Portraits of Ami taken by Luka Purser

Art Images taken by Ami Purser