Artist Spotlight: Amanda Mitchell

The power of art and its influence is one that varies. However, it can be said that it embodies a revolutionary nature. It is transformative and healing for many. For some, art provides both peace and freedom as it offers an escape from reality through its colors, lines, symbols and shapes. The freedom of expression that art allows is a tool that has travelled from generation to generation, person to person. One person in particular who shows us the vast capacity of art is Jamaican artist Amanda Mitchell. This promising talent, who cites her mother as an influence that prompted her to pursue art, says she grew up watching her “get messy with oil paint.” Through time, Amanda has grown with and through her art and uses it as a way to connect with the outside world.

SK: How does art make you feel?

AM: Art is personal. It is how we connect on a different level by offering glimpses into our minds through what we put out into the world. It is how I connect intimately without having to be physically present. Art makes me feel close to people and allows people to feel close to me.

SK: At what point, did you begin to take your work seriously?

AM: It has always been something I’ve done for the love of it. I’ve always been shy to share my work, only recently I began showing people and they happened to love it and for that I am deeply grateful.

SK: Do you believe art is more like a skill or “super power” someone is born with? Or is it a practice and creative energy that anyone can tap into to make?

AM: Anyone can do anything they set their mind to. If you can hold it in your head, you can hold it in your hand. Yes, some are more inclined than others, but that would never stop someone from doing something they truly wanted to do. “Super Power” is of the mind.

SK: What would you say is the primary power and purpose of your work and of art in general?

AM: To make people happy and encourage their higher self.

SK: What is an integral aspect of the work that you do as an artist?

AM: To give the positive frequencies of myself through my paintings. To enhance lives by way of art that gives off vibrations of love.

SK: Is there anything in particular you want your audience to take away from your work?

AM: Only good things.

SK: What are some general themes you illustrate and how do you come about them? Do you draw from everyday life experiences and your environment?

AM: Spirituality and self-healing are my main inspiration wells. On a journey of trying to discover who I am and what I want to manifest in life as well as what I wish for others guides my hand. The Buddha is a continuous theme where I aspire for an abundance of faith, enlightenment, wisdom and absolute, unwavering peace of mind.

SK: What do you like about your work?

AM: It is a sanctuary of mind I can literally pass on to others.

SK: Do you ever compare yourself and your art to the work of other artists?

AM: Of course, who doesn’t? I am constantly drawing inspiration from other artists. We were all put on this earth to help make each other better. To learn from one another is only natural.

SK: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given as it pertains to following your dreams and sharing your work with the world?

AM: It’s okay to mess up a canvas…Wipe it clean and try again.

SK: Finish this sentence: Art is…

AM: Feeling on paper.

To see more of Amanda Mitchell’s work and make inquiries, visit her Instagram here.