The PROJEKT

Artist Proof Interview with Artist: Amanda Lynn

Global Location: San Francisco, CA

AP Shop URL: www.Zazzle.com/Amandalynn

Coming from a traditional fine art background, Amandalynn takes her expertise in art and painting into an array of applications. She studied at the Academy of Art in San Francisco and received a Bachelor’s of Fine Art with an Illustration major. After school, she worked independently and freelance on many mural productions and theater set painting. Amandalynn then reached further into the study and application of paint through the automotive industry, where she painted, repaired, customized and restored motorcycles, cars, trucks, helmets, bicycles and much more. Her work in this industry taught her the necessary skills to successfully and properly restore and create sculptures for many Universities, Museums, Art Centers and private collectors. Amandalynn loves to paint and ‘fix’ objects back to their original beauty. Her passion lies in the creation of fine art, which she implements in her personal work, as well as in assisting other artists during the creation and repair their own projects. Amandalynn has an inexhaustible imagination and energy for the development and production of any and all types of art. She recently has begun further expanding her skills into the fashion design industry and merchandising display. Amandalynn continues to push her own fine art career by hosting, curating and participating in gallery shows around the world. Her work can be seen on her website http://www.amandalynn.biz or on a more day to day basis on her blog, http://amandalynnpaintings.blogspot.com.

AP: How long have you been making art for and what lead you to start.

AL: I have been creating art since I was a small child, I was very fortunate to have a family that always encouraged me to be creative.

AP: Where do you currently live and work ω And how does this influence your work.

AL: I live in San Francisco, CA and work independently as a freelance muralist, designer and fine artist. San Francisco is a place that could inspire anyone. The diversity of people and landscapes is unending. I see a crazy instance on the streets that makes me laugh out loud almost every single day.

AP: Did you have formal training if so whatω If your self taught can you tell us what you prefer about being a self taught artist vs having formal training.

AL: I think we are all self taught in some way. Ultimately it is our own personal acceptance of what we feel is quality that defines us as an artist. However, I have been fortunate to have been taught and influenced by several great artists. I started off in Pennsylvania studying under Robin Grass , a very prolific and talented artist and teacher. When I got to San Francisco, I studied at the Academy of Art and was very inspired by two teachers, Mona Caron and the late Kazu Sano . I also met an extensive network of street artists who mostly belong to the Known Gallery , this group has inspired and joined me on many art projects over the last decade. I also have worked alongside and have learned a lot from some incredible artists in my freelance work.

AP: Can you tell us about where you make your work is it in your house, a studio etc.. and how it effects your work.

AL: Well that really just depends on the size and extent of the project at hand. Mostly, I prefer to work out of my home studio, however I work at a couple other studios, such as Prairie Prince’s Stained Glass Art Studio, Cassel Gallery’s studio, and of course the streets! The art I make in the studio is much more refined and patient than most of the work I do on the street, but I enjoy both equally.

AP: What are some of you favorite design projects/exhibitions you have worked on to date.

AL: Well my current solo show, ‘Head over Heels’, opened this past June 4th at the Cassel Gallery in San Francisco and it was an amazing opening. I collaborated with my very close friend and inspiration, Renee Fontana , she is an amazing floral designer, who compliments and accents my work beautifully. Renee and I also collaborated on my first solo show in LA in 2008, ‘Move A Head’, which was my favorite until this last one! I also have hosted and participated in several amazing group shows/events. The first one that started it all off was in 2004, ‘Witty Remarks’, and that’s where it all began.

AP: What is your medium of choice.

AL: I prefer to paint in acrylic on canvas, house paint on walls, and gold leaf with airbrush and one shot on my signage and furniture work.

AP: What is the relationship between technique and content in your work.

AL: My technique in acrylic painting stems from my studies with Robin Grass , and his content tends to be a lot of females and fantasy. So, I guess those two things go hand and hand for me. Recently I started trying to blend all my techniques into all different applications, hopefully creating a style that is unique to me and my imagery content.

AP: Who are some of the artists that have inspired you and or your work.

AL: All of them! but I am a huge fan of Olivia De Beradinis

AP: In what direction would you like to see your work going over the next five years.

AL: I am currently trying to work more scenery and stories into my paintings. My goal is to be painting more personal work and doing less commercial work within the next 5 years.

AP: What forth coming projects and or exhibitions do you have scheduled for 2011.

AL: I am going to have a closing party for ‘Head over Heels’ at the Cassel Gallery on July 23, 2011. In August, I am curating a group art show at the Wonderland Gallery in San Francisco, titled ‘Majesty’. I am also helping and showing in several other upcoming group shows. You can check my blog for upcoming events, http://Amandalynnpaintings.blogpot.com

AP: Take us on a guided tour through a day in your life as an artist.

AL: Ha! no day is ever the same.

AP: Thank you so much for taking the time to answer our questions.