Amandalynn//Objects Of Desire

Firstly, thank you for your time, what’s been happening?

Hi, you are welcome, thanks for your interest. Lately a lot has been
happening.

For those who are unfamiliar with you and what you do, can you tell
us a bit about yourself and walk us through your typical day?

Well, my name is Amandalynn and I am a painter of pretty much all things. My true artistic passion is in creating my fine art and murals, which usually consist of seductive female imagery with a twist. By day, I am a custom motorcycle and sculpture painter and restorator. I also do freelance work for a hat company called Goorinand their artist line 1333 Minna, as well as many other freelance jobs.

What initially got you involved in art, and how did that lead you in
to becoming not only an incredible artist, but a custom motorcycle
painter/restorer and muralist among other things?

I have been painting and creating art since I can remember. I was fortunate enough to have a very inspirational mentor, Robin Grass, who taught me the technique of painting I use still to this day, and
who also encouraged my interest in fantasy and female art. My original plan was to move to CA and become a professional muralist.
During my time in art school, I did an internship with a company creating a mural on the face of their building. While painting this mural, I was approached by George Mead of WET Studios, a professional
mural and set company. This connection started my professional work in muralism through Prairie Prince Studios, which lead way to my working with the motorcycle paint shop, Underground Colors.

How did you learn to paint at the level you are painting at now?Have you ever done art school or anything like that?

Yes, I have done art school at the Academy of Art in San Francisco and graduated with a bachelors in Fine Art. I feel that most of my skill and inspiration to push things to the next level comes from my artist friends. I am very fortunate to be surrounded by some of the most prolific artists of our time.

Seductive and coaxing women feature heavily in your subject matter, what is your attraction to painting women, or vixens as you call them?

I find so much power and enticement in women. I am constantly inspired by the passionate and talented women in my life. My vixen series is a new venture I am working with. I am hoping to capture the raw and mysterious seduction that comes from on a true temptress when she is full of confidence and passion.

I also see some tattoo orientated style imagery in your work, is tattooing something you are influenced by or something that you’d ever try your hand at?

Yes, I am definitely influenced by tattooing and the art that is derived from it. Once again, I know that I am so fortunate to be surrounded by the incredible artists here in San Francisco, and the tattooers rank as some of the highest in talent, among most of the artists I know. Tattooing is also an admitted addiction of mine.

What other artists do you look up to or draw inspiration from?

I would say the artist I idolize most is Olivia De Berardinis. She captures the erotic fantasies of female art is such a classy and powerful manor. Some artists that influence me from the past are: Dali, Mucha, Beksinski, Vargas, Frida Kalo, Kiki Smith, and to be honest the list could go on forever, I am constantly inspired by anyone who creates art.

Lately, I have been relying a lot on photography as reference, one of my favorite photographers is Ellen Von Unwerth. I also have been working with the very talented photographer, Dylan Maddux, on some of my own Vicious Vixens photoshoots.

How do you approach a new painting?Take us through your creative
process.

Usually it starts with the one photo that just captures my eye. Then I sketch from that, embellishing with my key personal touches; flowers, jewelry, feathers, etc. Then I figure out cropping and such
and determine the size, which is usually a little larger format these days. I transfer the drawing onto my canvas and just got at it. I have been finishing up my pieces with the ornamental detail of gold
or silver leafing.

What are five things that you always pack with you on your travels?

1. Pocket knife

2. Camera

3. Pen or pencil

4. Music

5. Good Book

You do a lot of street art and street murals, do you ever do uncommisioned or illegal pieces?If so, what’s the coolest place that you’ve gotten up?

I have done some murals that are in sort of a grey area on whether they are legal or not, but nothing really that could be considered true vandalism. I leave that to all my maniac friends, I enjoy painting walls on sunny Sundays.

What’s in your pockets right now?

Pocket knife, phone, cash, biz cards.

What’s your preferred medium to work with, and why?

Acrylic is the main medium I work with, its ease of application and clean up are a big factors in why I use it. Also, I am kind of an impatient painter and like that it dries quickly, but always have a hair blow dryer near by in case it needs helped along.

What have you been reading, listening to and watching lately?

Lately I have been reading a interesting book by Christopher Moore about being a Death Merchant in San Francisco. Music is a vast variety, I listen to Pandora.com quite a bit. As far as movies, lately I have been influenced to watch more classic movies but also love a good comedy.

We live in turbulent times, what are your views on the world and
society today?

I think everyday is turbulent for everyone, whether it is inside yourhead or on your front door step. They only way to make things better is to keep progressing, creating, and

sharing a smile.

To the general public and authorities, there is a very fine line between what is considered art and what is considered vandalism and/or crime, i know of one case where a writer got a longer jail sentence than a rapist on the same day of sentencing, what are you thoughts on that?

Everyone has their own opinion on what is art, but the answer only lies in the creator. The attempt to control and define art seems like a huge waste of time, because if anyone ever actually knew the true meaning and intention of art, then probably no one would create anything. Just keep painting and creating, regardless of what anyone else thinks or does.

Anything coming up that we should know about?

Lots of new paintings…keep an eye out for new Vicious Vixens….

Word association, you know the deal, say whatever comes to your mind

when you read the word.

Australia -  Stormie

Kevin Rudd-  Gotta google that name
America- Family
Obama- Hope
England – Want to go
The Queen – Morgana

Tattoo – More
Religion- Study
Time -Sacred
Greed – Avoid
Humanity – Great friends helping others
Peace – Forest

Freedom – Ocean
Art – Paint
Life – Family and friends
Happiness – Life

Where can people follow what you’re up to and view your work?

http://Amandalynnpaintings.blogspot.com
www.Amandalynn.biz (to be updated by 2011)
www.KnownGallery.com/Amandalynn
www.Flickr.com/photos/Amandalynnpaintings
www.Zazzle.com/Amandalynn
www.1333Minna.com
www.UndergroundColors.com

Amandalynn Says:

Let’s take this to the next level.

http://thslfe.com/wp-admin/post-new.php

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