Meet Cierra Amrine | Artist & Gallery Co-Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cierra Amrine and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cierra, do you have any habits that you feel contribute to your effectiveness?
The habits that keep me moving toward my goals are simple but powerful: lists, consistency, and practice. Even when it isn’t December, I check them twice.. Between working full-time, creating as an artist and muralist, and serving as co-director of Uncanny Valley, I juggle a lot of roles—and each one deserves my full attention. Keeping notes, reminders, and my calendar app close by helps me stay grounded and make sure nothing slips through the cracks.

I also try to do at least one thing every day that will make “tomorrow Cierra”’s life a little easier. Sometimes that’s knocking out a small task, sometimes it’s putting in extra time on a painting—but either way, it’s an act of discipline and self-care. Above all, practice is what ties it together. Sketching, painting, or spending time with a work-in-progress allows me to sharpen my skills and push my art further. It’s not just about finishing a piece; it’s about making sure the story I want to tell comes across clearly and with impact.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I like to think my art lives in the space between realism and surrealism. I’m drawn to emotions and social constructs—those undercurrents of human experience we all feel but can’t always put into words—and I try to translate them into visuals that spark reflection or resonance in the viewer.

I’m completely self-taught, which has been both a challenge and a gift. Without formal training, I had to stumble through a lot of trial and error, experimenting with materials, styles, and techniques until I started to find my voice. There were plenty of failures along the way, but I learned to treat them as building blocks. What kept me going was the discipline of showing up for my art every day, even in small ways. If I could see myself improve over the course of a single painting session, a week, or a year, then I knew I was on the right track.

It definitely wasn’t easy, but committing to the process taught me that growth takes patience, persistence, and trust in yourself. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that if you want something deeply enough and are willing to put in the time and energy, you’ll get there. The timeline may be uncertain, but progress always comes with effort.

My brand is rooted in self-reliance, open-mindedness, and honesty about the human experience. What I want people to know is that my work isn’t just about creating images—it’s about creating a space where others can recognize parts of themselves, and maybe even see the world a little differently.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If someone were visiting Grand Junction to get a taste of what makes our little slice of Colorado special, I’d want to give them a mix of social, scenic, and creative experiences—because that’s what this city is grown for.

We’d start with the Colorado National Monument. The views of the valley are unbeatable, and the desert-meets-mountain vibe captures the soul of this region perfectly. From there, downtown is always the next stop. Grand Junction’s downtown has so much to offer—local businesses, art installations, breweries, restaurants—you name it. Some of my favorite spots are Ramblebine Brewing Company, Feisty Pint, and whatever food trucks happen to be rolling through Main Street.

I’d also take them to the Riverfront Trail. It’s the kind of place where you can bike, walk, or just take in the scenery, but it also doubles as a hub for music, art, and community events. One of the things I love about this city is how much effort has gone into weaving creativity into our daily lives—murals, public art, and cultural programming can be found all over the valley.

The whole week would be about balancing the outdoors with the local art and social scene—because Grand Junction really shines when you get to experience both sides.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’m lucky to live in a phenomenal city full of talented creatives and inspiring people who have built something truly one-of-a-kind. At the heart of that community, the organization that has shaped me the most is Uncanny Valley Art Gallery. When I first started out in the art world, I had passion but very little direction—I didn’t know how to represent myself, show my work, refine my style, or even begin building a career.

Becoming a member in 2021 was a turning point. Uncanny Valley gave me the space and support to grow from an eager, inexperienced artist into the entrepreneur and creative professional I am today. The members taught me not only how to make better art, but also how to connect, collaborate, and show up authentically in this field. I’m endlessly grateful to everyone there who has poured knowledge, encouragement, and trust into me—they’ve been a huge part of paving the path I’m walking now.

Instagram: @cierra.not.like.nevada

Image Credits
My own photos