FEATURED ARTIST

We have a painter to feature this week. Come and meet



Here is our interview with the artist, Amanda -


Briefly describe what you make?

I create original paintings with acrylics in addition to creating mixed media/2D art that has a modern vibe to it but can suit itself in different types of decor as well.

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

Acrylics. Although I have not tried oils to date I am totally happy with what I can achieve with acrylics. With 3 kids I have a limited working time so acrylics accomodate that as well. I love working with different gel mediums as well it helps to create the type of texture I desire. Also, I have brought in using papers and really enjoying that route right now plus they are upcycled. I rescued an almost bin bound wallpaper sample book from a local paint shop and use that a lot in my 2D pictures.

How long have you been creating art?

I have had a love of drawing as far back as I can remember! If I wasn't drawing or painting I was doing some sort of arts related thing from sewing, beading, crafting, modelling and professional acting. Infact, I acted professionally since I was 14 with jobs in commercials, movies and various roles in TV series, but again, I have 3 wonderful kids and the amount of hours away from them just wasn't worth it. No matter how much money I could make, no amount would ever buy time back! With this and a series of other events that happened in my life is what brought me back to painting.

How did you get started?

I started getting more serious about selling my paintings after incurring a large stock pile of them from painting so much. The biggest challenge for me to get over was fear! (Crazy huh!? ) But it first kept me from even painting for a while because of all the what ifs...what if it's no good, what if I lost my touch, what if this and what if that. I had people always encouraging me and asking if I was persuing my art and I realized that I had been given a talent to share and use, not to waste! Many sales later through both Ebay and Etsy I have shared my art with people throughout North America and just recently, in Europe as well! These people would have never been able to enjoy my art on their walls if I had stayed in fear and done nothing.

Where does the name of your shop come from?

The name of my shop is simply my last name - Park. Add the art studio on the end and there you have it. I still wanted my store name to represent me but when I googled Amanda Park it is strangely an actual place in Washington! Look it up for yourself.

What would you most want people to know about your work?

I want people to know that my work is created with passion! I love what I do and in everything I do, I will do it to the best of my ability. That is how I was raised. I will keep tweaking a painting for days and even months until I am satisfied with how it looks. It is frustrating getting to that point sometimes, but so rewarding to see the finished product.

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

Get around people that will encourage you in what you want to do and DO NOT let fear of rejection get in the way. A great quote from the king of hockey ( I am Canadian so I think everyone here knows this one ) Wayne Gretzky is - " You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. " So true. Look for different ways to get yourself out there and stay positive.

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Fabulous! Please come and take a look now at this shop and then come on back and let Amanda know what you think!