Born and raised in rural Ohio, Amanda has always felt a deep connection to the natural world around her. As a child she spent most of her days following in the footprint's of her mother and beloved neighbor through their gardens. Questioning the methods, reasons, and purpose of every on-going. Little did she know this would be the roots of her inspiration in years to come.
From 2004-2007 she attended the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, focusing on a fine arts major. During those studies she had a profound interest in Traditional Woman's Art and installation practices. She studied water color, acrylic and became interested in felting natural forms. Amanda drew inspiration from Gerhard Richter, Georgia O'Keeffe, Monet, and a multitude of finely illustrated children's books, always amazed at how they engaged and captivated audiences.
From 2009-2011 she attended George Mason University working towards a Bachelors of Fine Art, minoring in psychology. Evident through her art, during 5 intensive years of study, there was a longing to return to nature. Imagery of trees, roots, and transitional art dominated her compositions. She found herself with a desire to cultivate the earth, harvest, preserve and soak in the growing world around her, for many years this was the focus. Amanda spent 7 years learning to identify plants, how to grow a successful harvest and most importantly how to respect the land we have the privilege of working.
In 2016 two worlds collided and she found purpose within art that supported her desire to shepherd the earth, and in doing so, recent research aided her mission in agriculture. Returning to a canvas and brushes felt comforting and satisfying, Pairing the human experience and natural elements is a focus of her work.
Amanda has been “growing” her collection of works since 2016 and is engaged daily with local farmers, drawing inspiration from stories, and experiences and seeing the correlation of human beauty and the natural world.
As an artist she seeks to inspire a regard towards the unknown; to grow a curiosity about the world around us using vibrant color, and a modern twist on traditional themes.
LLocal Artist based in the Shenandoah Valley paints with vivid colors, depicting woman, flowers, botanicals and local wild life. She connects the feminine forms and emotions to wildlife creating dynamic oil and acrylic paintings.