Meet Amanda Marsh

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Marsh.

Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
Art has been engraved into my life from an early age. I can thank my wonderful parents for always believing in me and starting me in fine art classes when I was just three years old. I loved it and thrived. I continued studying throughout my childhood, and by high school was involved in AP Studio Art and AP Photography. It became clear to me at that point; I was made for this — a career in Fine Art.

I went on to attend Azusa Pacific University in Southern California where I would receive a BFA in Visual Art with a double concentration in Photography and Drawing & Painting, accompanied by a Minor in Art History. I was able to study under several incredible professors, that validated my talent and challenged me in many ways.

Since graduating from college, I have remained in Los Angeles and have worked as a Professional Artist. I have had my artwork shown in several galleries, my photography exhibited at Neiman Marcus, participated in Art Fairs, completed several commission pieces/ photoshoots, etc. I am currently illustrating a new children’s book, which is a new and exciting adventure for me.

Please tell us about your art.
Working primarily in the disciplines of photography, as well as, drawing and painting, I explore each of these mediums singularly and jointly. I have created one body of work, which is my “debunk” series, that combines digital photography and drawing. Years ago, I became fascinated with public art and began to follow several muralists from around the world. I considered what I would paint on the side of a building if I ever had the chance. As I pondered this, I discovered a way I could do as many murals as I wanted to, on any building.

So, I set out to photograph the urban landscape, stopping at any building that caught my eye. Whether it was for its abandoned characteristics or its regal historical look, I captured it. I drove up and down the coast of California, from San Diego to San Francisco, and after thousands of RAW digital negatives, I began my research. My intention was to “paint” the buildings’ history on its own walls. Technically speaking, I print my photographs on photo rag paper, which then allows me to draw on them, using charcoal pencil. I love the illusion and watching my viewers try to figure out what is a part of the photograph vs. drawing (and often they never realize it is anything beyond a photograph).

One of my favorite buildings I found was in downtown San Diego. Originally built by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s Works Progress Administration (in 1937), it stands as the oldest operating fire station in San Diego. The structure is 7,000 square feet and is made entirely of concrete and discarded trolley tracks. I then discovered an old photograph of some firefighters from the station’s peak years and used it for inspiration for my “mural”, that I drew on the photograph. At first glance, it appears that the firefighters are climbing a ladder up to the window, but if one looks closely, the ladder is actually trolley track, as a nod to the building’s bizarre construction.

The message I want viewers to take away from my “debunk” series is that you can’t judge a book by its cover. I felt that by drawing the building’s history on its walls, it would contribute an intimate aspect to the piece. At first glance, a person might only notice an old, empty structure. This is all they might ever think of this place. If only they would see this site’s history, they would realize it offers both current beauty and rich cultural heritage. As for the initial judgments and impressions, those are what I confront, or rather, debunk, to lead the viewer to a more complete visual narrative.

My paintings, on the other hand, reflect a different style, medium, and concept. I would say I love painting anything, but I especially have a love and passion for animals. I recently did a Gem Series in which I painted different animals, on several gem-shaped wood panels, with a complementary color of the rainbow as its backdrop. They were colorful, realistic and very fun to paint. As much as I adore bringing animals to life, I am always exploring new things to paint, and have no idea what my next wood panel will bring.

We often hear from artists that being an artist can be lonely. Any advice for those looking to connect with other artists?
As a working artist, you must be intentional, and community is essential — for your professional and personal life. I have garnered a very unique art community, by working at an Art Gallery and an Art Supply Store, and by interacting with the art community. I sought out these jobs, with the intention of expanding my network and to be involved with the art community. This, mind you, is one of many ways you can increase your “circle”. I would recommend to any aspiring artist to participate in events, attend opening receptions at galleries, seek out conventions as a vendor or viewer, and engage in conversations on social media (Instagram, in particular, is a fantastic tool for artists these days, but that is an entirely different conversation). You will gain admirable colleagues and lifelong friends, and you never know when you’ll get a job opportunity, because of these relationships (added bonus). We all support each other; artists, dealers, curators, collectors, etc., and the majority are very welcoming.

Many artists, including myself, create alone in isolation, so you’ll have to be intentional, and give yourself time to be with other artists, friends, and family because life is meant to be spent with others… and while you’re at it, take a picture so you can remember it!

How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
You can view my work on my Instagram @aamarsh, and on my website at Amanda-Marsh.com. You can support me by watching for the latest news there and exciting future projects!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.amanda-marsh.com/
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aamarsh/

Image Credit:
Amanda Marsh.

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