Erotic Escapades with Amy Nicole Hood
Enshrouded in a seductive velvet cloak of mystique, erotica and raw creativity exists the intriguing persona of Amy Nicole Hood. She’s a creative polymath & artist who doesn’t believe in the concept of self-imposed limitations. There are several titles one can use to describe her creative endeavors: actress, model, art director, book publisher and visual artist. She’s originally from Florida, but her current objective is to fully explore all the opportunities NYC has to offer. Perhaps her most refreshing trait is how she fully embraces every facet of her existence; from her effortless (and contagious) sexuality to her somewhat darker sensibilities. Enjoy our expansive interview with Amy below:
First off, how would you describe yourself – actor, creative director, artist, publisher?
When people ask what I do, I say that I’m an artist and art director. It’s the simplest way to encompass the various creative things that I do, which primarily are art direction, production and design. I make things happen and learn what I need to, or apply a pre-existing skill set, in order to do so. I am able to express myself through several creative outlets. I can make prints, design logos in Illustrator or Indesign, take photos, process in a darkroom and dust the images. I can come up with a big concept and know which talent would be the most well-suited to include. I can produce something from conception to completion and effectively market it, and I can also model or act.
When you run a smaller company, you tend to do most of the work yourself, one-man-band style, which can often be quite a struggle, but it can also help you evolve into a much more dynamic creative person. Personally I try to develop myself more each day. I love learning new information, new skills and really enjoy getting good at things.
“I knew I wanted to establish a cult brand, something really thought-provoking and intellectual,”
Let’s talk about your most recent book release, Cult Classic. What is the vision behind it and what message were you trying to convey?
When I was envisioning my new company VISCOUS Ltd, I knew I wanted to establish a cult brand, something really thought-provoking and intellectual, but not too cerebral, so it was still relatable. I wanted it to be aesthetically elite, but unique and charming, and of course sexy. What better way to establish a cult brand than to make a cult classic? So that’s what I did, and once I knew this, the exploration of the theory of cult phenomena in its multiple senses began forming itself. The idea of a cinematic photographic story flashed in my brain like an Oliver Stone movie. I’m a big movie fan, and it pieced itself together in my mind. And of course, with anything I do, it needs to be as well done as possible.
It’s not so much an attempt to convey a certain message as it is to challenge certain conventionalities, exploring the dark side of people but in an analytical, open-minded and entertaining way. A particular element that I found interesting about the “cultism” theory is the underlying principle of worship, and even people’s need to worship, and to feel that it’s necessary and/or to relish it.
You released this book under your own publishing company, Viscous. How was the process like of getting that up and running?
A hell of a lot of work, but very creatively liberating. It’s very satisfying to see a vision come to life, even if it feels day by day that nothing is happening. When you see it come together, you sort of smile to yourself a little, and then keep your nose to the grind.
Sex, erotica and violence seem to be recurring themes in your work – why do you choose to explore these topics?
Sex and violence are classic. They’re also some of the most primal elements of the human race. They’re topics that have prevailed within art, culture and society in general for thousands of years, natural subjects to be drawn to. Sex has always been a part of my aesthetic and identity, in addition to a well of darkness.
Many people find it difficult to explore and own their sexuality – how did you get so comfortable and confident with yours?
I don’t really think about it, I just am what I am, trying to pursue the best possible version of myself and not really paying attention to being sexy or confident.
“Sex and violence are classic. They’re also some of the most primal elements of the human race.”
Your productive output is very impressive. Can you tell us a little bit about the following projects: Promiscuities, A Study in Fetishisms Vol I & II?
Thank you, I don’t sleep much! [laughs]. Promiscuities is a very dark short film I co-concepted, produced and starred in with my ex business partner and boyfriend. Fetishisms I & II were our first two releases from my previous publishing company, Imperial Pictures Publishing, and the beginning of my art direction and design career.
You’re also a talented graphic designer. How did you get into that lane, and also please tell us a little bit about your recent exhibition at Okay Space in Brooklyn.
It came very intuitively, I have always been uber-creative and in the arts since early childhood. When we decided to do Fetishisms Vol 1, I decided to design it and have been in love with design ever since. My exhibition was entitled CAUCHEMAR. It was my debut exhibition, a series of large scale relief prints produced using a unique complex method. The series is about the nightmare of life, creative optimism in the face of so many hardships. Stills from a dream, those vibrant and dizzyingly viscous visions you see on the backs of your lids when you close your eyes or geometric reinterpretations of a surreal reality. They are an observation of shape, texture and especially color.
Where do you find all the time, drive and energy to plan and execute all your myriad projects?
Oh God, I don’t even know! I’m a 24-hour kind of person I guess, one who wishes there were 36 hours in the day. Then I could have the time to sleep, exercise, work and get everything taken care of annnddd maybeeee relax .. a little.
Let’s talk about style. You looked quite sexy in our O.N.S menswear looks – how would you describe your own style? Also what are the favorite pieces in your closet right now?
Retro-Vintage sexy, mostly 70’s does 40’s, but functional. My favorite picks are my 40’s dresses, high-waisted skirt slacks, and cozy cashmere sweaters for winter time!
What’s coming up for you in 2017 – more books, movies, exhibitions, business ventures? Also is there room in your busy life for dating and relationships?
More books, for sure! Maybe another gallery show. I’d like to expand my commercial creative direction horizons as well, and I have a couple of philanthropic endeavors I’m aiming to launch. Oooh maybe! For the right guy or gal.
5-10 years now, what do you envision as the overarching evolution of your brand?
I’d like to build up the company, continuing as a cult brand – intellectual, creative and innovative. I’m also into creating a video platform and including a variety of products outside of publishing. You’ll just have to stay tuned!
Be sure to follow Amy Nicole Hood on Instagram by clicking here.
Purchase her new book Cult Classic here.
If you liked this story, check out more in our Urban Transplants issue.
