Amandalynn returns to SD for art encore

Once again wowing the San Diego art world, Amandalynn returns this month with a live mural and her solo exhibition “Seasons of Change” at Distinction Gallery in Escondido.

From her beginnings as a painter 16 years ago on the streets of San Francisco with graffiti writers The Seventh Letter to collaborating with Lady Mags and painters from all over the world, Amandalynn’s works strike at the heart and senses of viewers.

Amandalynn’s latest murals and paintings reflect the past year of her personal life, and her witnessing of birth, death and living with inspiration. DiscoverSD recently talked with her about her new collection and mural:

Q: Tell me about your new show at Distinction. What is the theme/inspiration?

A: I am continually inspired by the beauty of nature and the characters found within. I am also fascinated by the seasonal changes that occur not only within the flora and fauna of the world, but also that happen within a personal life cycle. I have created a new series of paintings and murals, illustrating the different moods, emotions and energies that occur during different cycles of life and nature.

Q: Who have been your heroes/inspirations in art and your career?

A: One of my very first inspiring instructors was Robin Grass, a prolific artist, who actually taught me how to paint, and whose techniques I still practice to this day. I had another very influential college instructor, Kazu Sano, who really pushed me to explore the fantasy side of my figures. Many graffiti artists and muralists have been a huge influence on me as an artist. I love meeting and researching new artists, as well as reflecting on past masters. I believe we all can learn and inspire one another in significant ways.

Q: Are you close with any San Diego artists? Who?

A: Yes! My all time favorite San Diego artist and person is Gloria Muriel. In my professional career, I am the art director of KAABOO art and music festival that takes place annually in Del Mar. It has been my pleasure to meet and work with a vast group of different muralists and fine artists through that curatorial process. The list is getting quite large, but to name a few ... Celeste Byers, Aaron Glasson, Jaclyn Rose, Carly Ealey, Monty Montgomery, Persue, Chris Konecki, Spenser Little, Alli Bautista, Victor Roman and many others. San Diego has been an open door for meeting inspiring people!

Q: What is the focus of your mural for Distinction?

A: The mural is based off a painting that I created with the theme of changing seasons. The piece is comprised of four different female figures, each adorned with different creatures, colors and attributes surrounding the four different seasons, winter, spring, fall and summer.

Q: What would you say to young artists/youth looking to get into art who see your mural work?

A: I would hope that by seeing my work outside, they feel invited to participate in experiencing it and hopefully get inspired. Anyone can view it, there is no exclusive entry into experiencing it. I encourage all artists, young and old, to spend time connecting with their community and working with each other to create inspiring work.

Q: Favorite work you’ve done?

A: Traveling the world and painting murals has been my most inspiring experience to date. I have been fortunate to work with an amazing environmental activist group, PangeaSeed, who organize mural festivals around the world, addressing topics that are relevant to the preservation of oceans and surrounding waterways. Creating work within these communities has felt really special. I love connecting with people on a visual level, even if we do not speak the same language.

Q: Light bulb moment (in art or life)?

A: One of my most enlightening moments was the day I stepped foot on the streets of San Francisco, California, almost 17 years ago. It is a very special city that is covered in murals of all different types, and is decorated with some of the most unique characters and beautiful landscape I have ever experienced. I absolutely love traveling, painting, and exhibiting in different places, but am always pleased when I arrive back home to that inspiring place.

Laurie Delk is an avid art historian, holding a master’s degree in Art History, with concentrations in the Modern and Postmodern movements. She has taught classes at Tulane University, and has been published with several art publications including Sculpture Magazine and New Orleans Art Review. Send ideas for art stories to lauriedelk101@gmail.com.

Source: DiscoverSD