What role do you think art has in our society?
I think art has a different meaning of importance to each individual. However, I think it enables us, as a society, to gain different viewpoints on an a wide array of topics. Whether it’s the use of colour, technical skill, texture through visual art to different instruments used to create harmony and balance in a song… it all evokes different emotions and helps break up the ‘norm’ of the 9-5 routine, even if just temporarily. Art also has a huge historical presence which globally allows us a topic of conversation. Moving forward, in today’s society, art is everywhere from music, film, fashion, social and has become this extreme Pop Culture dynamic. But that being said, I really think it depends on the individual to determine what effects it has on them personally because it can be very transparent OR create individualism.
What type of music do you listen to and why?
Music is very important to me and that being said, I am very open minded to all types, I’ll listen to anything for at least 30 seconds to feel it out but I currently gravitate towards bachata, conscious reggae and soul. Anything old school I’m down with, from back in my parents days to 90’s Hip Hop. Bachata is, however, my favourite type of music to paint to because it makes me feel the freest and most alive. I don’t speak Spanish so I actually take in the rhythm as opposed to focusing on what they’re saying.
What has been your scariest experience?
My scariest experience as an artist- was dealing with some folks who miscommunicated the final net pay of a pretty huge project that was sent to South Africa, as well as dropping the ball on giving me the appropriate credit for my work. It all ended up being an extremely important learning experience for me but dealing with it was too much, between being short changed on cash, the emotions behind it, killing my spirit and fighting for the credit I deserved- I felt like I had the wind knocked out of me. It’s the worst when you do things on good, genuine intentions and then have to turn around and defend yourself and they make you feel as if you’re the one robbing them.
Where do you draw inspiration from?
A lot of my inspirations come from nature. As with a lot of other people, I feel very grounded close to water. Meditating and listening to the waves and feeling the sun’s warmth sink into my skin, really gets things going for me. Colour, movement, textures… I see them dancing in my mind and feel their energy. I also pick up certain energies from the most random people, listening to their stories gets me thinking of new ideas. A lot of times I’ll have lingering ideas and I’ll just wake up one day and be like- ok- today’s the day… and I’ll drop everything I’m working on to get it out of my system.
What’s your favourite job aside from your creative passions?
If I were to have a favourite job looking into the future, other than a creative one, I would imagine it to be somewhere within science or archeology. In school I hated science and math but now I find it fascinating.
Give the “10 year old you” one piece of advice.
Stick to your gut.
What superpower do you wish you had and why?
If I had a superpower, I would want to be able to change people’s skin colours into the colours of their souls
Art is…?
Art Is Love. Art Is Life <3
Best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
‘Stay true to you’, from my friend Zeem Rock, a graffiti artist out of NYC/ MIA. When I quit my job I hung out with him for a few days in Miami and he threw me head first into the crazy Miami art scene. At the time, I had no intentions on doing art full time… but one thing led to another and another. I was very into my dotwork, however, and his advice to me before dropping me to the airport, was, figure out your dots. Make people want an ‘Amanda painting of.. (so and so). Not (a so and so) painting that they want you to paint.’ So through that, I really zoned into my style and am deeply connected to it.
What do you want to share with the world?
Understand that this life is meant for learning. It’s just ONE part of your soul’s journey. Listen to your struggles, it means something is not aligning the way it should be. Pain hurts but pain is also growth and there is nothing more fulfilling than evolving. Don’t be scared to feel and feel deeply, it’s how we learn. And at the end of the day, what we learn in this life time will help us ascend in our next lives. Be humble. Be thankful. Love & be loved.
Thanks Amanda for sharing your creative lifestyle and letting us into the world through your eyes.
If you’d like to connect with Amanda or inquire about commissioning her, please reach out through one of the avenues below.
Website: www.ArtBookOfAmanda.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/artbookofamanda
Instagram: www.instagram.com/amanda.s.narain
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