Drawing from her background in game development, Amber Stephens approaches public art with a spatial storytelling mindset by creating pieces that invite exploration and community connection. Amber is a Puyallup Tribal artist and full-time video game level designer based in Tacoma, Washington. Her multidisciplinary practice blends Coast Salish design with digital illustration, interactive installations, painting, beading, woodworking, sewing, and weaving.

Rooted in family stories and collaborative learning, her work bridges traditional design and contemporary fabrication. Her projects include Fry Burst Lightposts, Baskets Walkover Grates, Sparrow Story Copper Rain Chains, and the parking garage level plant designs for the Puyallup Tribal Administration Building; for the Foss Waterway Seaport her Be Helpful Painted Salmon and Salmon in the Classroom Installation; she was a featured artist at the 2024 Oceanfest and gave a live carving demo; and she illustrated a history-themed coloring book spread for the Gig Harbor Downtown Waterfront Alliance.

Whether crafting virtual levels or community-centered artworks, Amber’s goal is to foster meaningful relationships through visual storytelling, her culture, love for the land, and shared experiences.

[email protected]
Tacoma, WA