What do YOU see?

Drawing from an extensive background in theatre and fashion, Amanda creates pieces that incorporate both tactile and visual elements that lead the viewer to discover their own conclusions about what may or may not be conventionally beautiful. Her works are a combination of acrylic paint, various pumices, and industrial polymer.

"I am inspired by the collision of industry and nature; glamour and simplicity; a bold, burning sunrise meeting rust and decay on the underbelly of forgotten train tracks. This encourages me to seek new products or ways to incorporate faux finishes that will add more depth or interest to my pieces. My use of text provides the piece with a strong graphic structure while the use of a lace motif or various geometric shapes adds a touch of fluidity, whimsy, and/or playfulness."

"People often try to find meaning hidden within the letters and numbers in my work. It is so easy for us to recognize a letter combination or sequence and attach a meaning to it; i.e. ABC or 123 indicates a beginning, XYZ is an end, the number 8 on its side represents infinity, etc. Typically, I use the letters and numbers as building blocks, I am interested in the flow of shapes, but I also take advantage of the implicit meanings that have already been established within us, subtle cues embedded in our language."

"There is always more than what appears on the surface of things. It all depends upon one's ability to be open and trust their own perceptions."

"I want to know what my audience perceives from my work. Although I may create a piece with a certain intention, or inspiration, nothing is more gratifying than to hear what it has encouraged someone else to discover. It's always interesting to me when people form opinions and attachments to a piece, regardless of my intent, but it is when people realize the same intention or inspiration that I started with that I feel I have truly succeeded. Usually, that is when the painting has also found its new owner."

Amanda was born and raised in Kentucky and recently moved from Chicago to Nashville where she is also an actress and fashion stylist.