The Book Lover
How does my work relate to the theme of this exhibit? I present my thoughts and feelings of and about this world through the filter of color and whimsy. I manipulate pigment and media to showcase my ideas and dreams and transform them through pattern and texture.
What excites me and makes me proud? What is my inspiration? I get excited by color, always!! I have been blessed with opportunities to tell stories about people who have been marginalized by their differences. I am most proud of being asked to contribute illustrations to two books written by amazing people with abilities that set them apart. I have had the distinct pleasure of illustrating personal histories presented as juvenile literature for a runner with Down Syndrome and an artist with Autism.
My message: There is immeasurable pleasure (for me) derived from painting and drawing. A unique sentiment is inscribed into each image I create. I present my thoughts and feelings of and about this world through the filter of color and whimsy. I manipulate pigment and media to showcase my ideas and dreams and transform them through pattern and texture. I wish for my art to convey a sense of hopefulness and joy. I experience so much pleasure from painting that it is my desire to pass a bit of this along to the viewer. I believe that art should be accessible to everyone; the visual, conceptual and financial attributes of my work reflect this passion. I create art to share. When a piece of my artwork brings a smile to someone as they pass by, I feel that I have been successful!
Life
Cycles and The Village
How did I get where I am today? What is my training? Through hours and hours of hard work. I have loved every minute invested but make no mistake-work has happened! I attended a visual arts high school and took art classes in college, although my degree is in a healthcare field. I continue to study with art mentors and often participate in online courses to improve my technique. I am always striving to improve my skill sets as an artist though practice and experimentation. My favorite mediums for creation are gouache, acrylic and pastel.
I am not an extrovert and have to put great effort into the sales side of being an artist. Talking to people about my art and promoting the business of my art are much more difficult for me than creating art.
My Background - How long have I been painting? I have thrived on being creative since an early age and pursued knowledge about techniques and tools for artistic expression which have been gifts throughout my life. I am inspired by everyday existence and enjoy bringing beauty into the world.
I use art as a means of self-expression. I paint to better understand my reality, and to express my interpretation of the world around me. I also create art to open the unexplored world- a place for curious self-expression, but also a world of new relationships, new chances, new beginnings, and most importantly new stories.
The Flow
Where have I shown my art? My art has been shown in many restaurants and businesses in the Central Texas area. I am on the board for the Creative Art Society in Austin and participate in shows that CAS hosts on a regular basis. I have shown at EAST and WEST for several years, I have shown at Art on 12 in Wimberly and currently have a show up at Art for the People Gallery in Austin Texas.
I regularly sell art through local festivals and belong the Austin Flea as an art vendor. Most weekends in the Spring, Summer and Fall will find me woman-ing my art booth at a fair.
Amanda's website is www.arteparalavida.info
Amanda's Instagram is www.instagram.com/arte_para_la_vida
Amanda's Facebook page is www.facebook.com/arteparalavida1/
Credits:
Amanda Zappler