For many artists, once they find a medium that effectively conveys their message and skill, they stick with it. Amanda Thompson takes a slightly different approach to fine art, exploring all type of mediums and techniques. Having lived all over the world, Amanda has embraced her various perspectives, cultural shifts and influences, and has translated her experiences into fine art. This notion of modification and unique exposure takes form in her body of work, which consists of sculptures, paintings, drawings, photography and installations. While her mode of expression can easily alter, her message and skill from piece to piece stays strong. A woman of many hats, Amanda tells JustLuxe about her journey into the world of fine art, her various artistic pursuits and her latest endeavors.
How did you begin your career as an artist?
My mother is an artist and she went to art school when I was a young child. I spent a lot of time as a kid with her artist friends. I first started to make art personally during the 80's in London. I created large visual pieces for bands, nightclubs, and shops for a number of years. Ultimately, however, I started to yearn for a more formal education. I went to Rhode Island School of Design, received my BFA in painting in ‘94 and have been a working artist ever since.
You studied both printmaking and graphic design. How do you feel they influenced your art?
The printmaking classes I took at the Royal College of Art have been pivotal to my process, and the graphic design classes, which I originally took in order to accept a job designing for the Spice Girls, also feed directly into my work. I am trained in painting, and I started to make sculpture as a way of looking at things from multiple perspectives and dimensions. Still, I find myself approaching things from a painter's mindset. Organic form is juxtaposed with graphic elements, and I play with textures central to printmaking in my work. I also make large ink drawings that draw deeply from my earlier printmaking work.
You studied both printmaking and graphic design. How do you feel they influenced your art?
The printmaking classes I took at the Royal College of Art have been pivotal to my process, and the graphic design classes, which I originally took in order to accept a job designing for the Spice Girls, also feed directly into my work. I am trained in painting, and I started to make sculpture as a way of looking at things from multiple perspectives and dimensions. Still, I find myself approaching things from a painter's mindset. Organic form is juxtaposed with graphic elements, and I play with textures central to printmaking in my work. I also make large ink drawings that draw deeply from my earlier printmaking work.
How would you describe your artwork?
Most of my work is sculptural. Pieces usually hang on or close to the wall, which stems from my interest in manipulating materials to create unusual forms. Wood is carved to look as if it has been contorted, stretched, twisted or knotted. The outer layer appears fragile but houses sinuous internal strength. I sometimes use the shadows cast by the work as an additional element. I am interested in the hidden, the secret elements, inside or underneath a piece. I am happy when I see people crouch down in the gallery to try to see what is underneath a piece.
What is your process?
My process for making the sculptures is quite simple. I start by creating a small model, using other materials. I may then photograph it from different angles before I start to work on the large piece. Each sculpture is hand carved from a single block of wood. After I have roughed it out, I am about halfway there. Sanding, painting and finishing takes about fifty percent of the time.
Who are some of your influences?
I am very interested in artwork that is somewhat interactive, that forces the viewer to engage. Olafur Elliason's 'Sun' at the Tate Modern was hugely inspiring. I also love some of Anish Kapoor's work and also Do Hoh Suh's floating muslin buildings.
You’re originally from England, but have also lived in Spain and the U.S. Do you feel that the different cultures have informed your art in different ways?
Yes, for sure. Also the different landscapes and environments. The work I was making in rural Spain was much more delicate and airy. Since I have moved to New York, my work has become a bit darker, more sinister.
Above all though, I think what has informed my art -and my life - the most, from living in so many places (I also spent a year living and working in South America and two years in Amsterdam) is having been something of an outsider in each place, particularly as a woman. Looking in and seeing things from a different point of view.
Where has your work been shown?
My work has been shown in London, Providence, Michigan, Brooklyn, and Poughkeepsie.
What are you currently working on?
I am currently working on 9-10 new pieces for a show in December at Causey Contemporary Fine Art, 39 Orchard Street. New York, NY on the Lower east side.
Tell me a bit about your upcoming show.
I am very excited about the new work. I have been playing with scale, and each piece is quite different from the others. I am eager to see them all together in one space. I think it's going to be a powerful show.
