Amanda Adkins is a native of Arizona who graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Art Education and specialization in painting. Adkins’ love for animal folklore and the desert is reflected in her works and has kept her in Arizona where she has created many murals and taught a community mural making courses at ASU. She’s also participated in regional, national, solo, and group exhibitions. One of her most recent projects has been turning her studio space in Bragg’s Pie Factory into a gallery called ‘Cobra Flute Projects’ to co-curate with her studio mate. We asked Amanda more about her art, here’s what she said:
What is your favorite medium to use?
“I have 2 favorite mediums and they are oil paints and watercolor. I love being able to easily blend and move color and have a wet surface to go back into and manipulate. Both are similar in different ways. With watercolor there are so many different things you can use such as, salt, tea, Kool-aid and rubbing alcohol. When you alter an image it becomes more like an experiment of what's going to happen and how I can use different elements with the water.”
What’s a favorite memory from your life being an artist?
“My favorite memory and important moment was when I was featured on NPR’s morning edition storytelling series through KJZZ. I did a storytelling event at Phoenix Art Museum in 2013 and told a story about a mural I painted for the Helen K. Mason Performing Arts Center. I had no idea that they would feature me and the morning they did, I was on my way to work and my phone just started blowing up with friends and family saying they had just heard me on the radio! It made my day and I was able to hear it when they posted it to their website.”
“Providence”, Oil on Birch, 36x36
“Ten Years Gone”, Watercolor and Gouache on Cold Press Paper, 24x30
What was the inspiration for your painting “10 Years Gone?”
“Led Zeppelin inspired my piece 10 Years Gone. Titled after the song, I felt this deep connection with the love he had for someone but the love I miss is my health and healthy body. Being able to be active and and feel free from the burden of health issues and the time that I feel it has robbed me.”
Is there a particular person or school that influenced you to be an artist?
“Growing up my older sister was taking art classes and would make art at home with my mother. I saw both of them creating which then in turn began my journey into creating art as well.”
“Take a Wish, Leave a Wish”, Oil on Birch, 20x20
“Seedling 2”, Oil on Birch, 24x24
Is there a certain color palette you find yourself leaning towards most?
“When I look back at my work I see that most of the series I've done I will find a color pallet and stick to it for a while until I feel it leave my system. Right now Ive been using turquoise and yellows and a lot of flesh tones in my work. I'm sure it will change again once I move on from painting this series.”