new bio and artist statement

Artist Biography – Amanda Kennedy

Amanda Kennedy is an emerging visual artist who primarily paints on canvas. Growing up with art being highly encouraged, it was through school life drawing classes that she fell in love with the vitality of the human body. After throwing herself into her art career only recently, she has participated in some group exhibitions around Melbourne and more recently had a solo show at Montsalvat in Eltham. Her split life between outer suburbia and inner city Melbourne stimulates her to expand her artistic wings further; of late this includes delving into watercolours, oils and soft sculpture.

I have a genuine visceral need to create, to paint, to play. I can’t not do it. Life is always better when I don’t fight this need.

I paint human bodies. We’ve all got one and they are all different. They vary from day to day even for one person. This diversity is part of why I imagine I’ll never tire of the subject matter.

I’m attracted to strong images .I often don’t know quite where I’m going when I start a piece. All I know is that there is a strong image that demands my attention.  If it happens that I disturb the viewer then I’m okay with that.

My pieces are representative of the vital energies and passions that I see in each human body. 

More watercolours

This is going really well

Development of a beetroot

Pieces from my watercolour play

Lessons learned from playing with watercolour paints

I recently returned from a week on a tropical island with family. Naturally, I took art supplies to keep sane and allow me a legitimate excuse to steal some time and space for myself. Tubes of oils and acrylics seemed too cumbersome to pack so I only took a sketch pad, some pencils and my recently purchased and mostly untouched travel watercolour set.

Let's just say I learned a thing or five.

1 - Time
Some things really can't be rushed. Watercolour needs time to dry if you don't wan't areas to bleed and blend into each other. Who knew brute force and blind faith weren't always the answer.

2 - I need practice paper to feel out the intensity and value of the colour that is on my brush. Only so much can be adjusted once it's on the paper.

3 - Other people who have experience in this can be very helpful

4 - Less can actually be more. Cliche though it is this is true. Clarity of a single stroke can say/achieve more than multiple strokes.

5 - 'Practice' pieces can really work.
'Proper' pieces can often fail.

Good god - could watercolour be teaching me patience. Perhaps this is why I always knew it was something I wouldn't do till I was older... Does that mean I'm older now? Wiser too? Ha!

an illuminating few days.

We do what we think is best at the time. When we know better, the important point is to do better.

I’ve had an illuminating few days.

Firstly, I’ve realised that I have the capacity to miss someone. I’ve never missed anyone in my life. I’ve heard the words said to me and heard them convincingly in movies but I’ve never missed anyone. I always thought this was a good thing as it meant I was happy and content in myself not needing anyone to make my life complete.

I’m still happy and content in myself and don’t believe I need anyone to make my life complete but I’ve discovered that I do, in fact, have the capacity to miss someone in my life. Part of it is no doubt is the gap in connection via text, message etc as he was in a different time zone and working to boot. He’s been interstate before for a few days but I didn’t feel it then. Is it where we are in our relationship right now? I don’t know but there’ll be a test when I go overseas in a couple of weeks. Interesting times.....

Secondly, I also was able to spend some time and get some advice from an experienced member of Australia’s art scene. I got some honest feedback and constructive advice. And yes, I am going to take it on. Nothing too unexpected was shared. It was all about taking the next, necessary steps in order to get to the next level.  Now I know better, I’m on my way to doing better.

I’ve learnt a lot recently and I plan to just keep on learning!

Next big thing

This last weekend I was fortunate to share in a delightful reunion of our mothers group that was first formed over 16 years ago. What follows below is my response to a conversation that inspired after a vino or three. We were discussing how supported we all felt when we had our wee ones and would bring any issues to our mothers' group. Our eldest kids are now 16 years of age but that kind of supportive environment is never redundant. 

Most of us are blessed to be in a position to explore new directions right now. It transpired though that being somewhat accountable could help push us along to reach new goals.

So we have given ourselves six months to achieve our personal, self-set goals.

Below is what I have submitted. 



What?

to explore mediums other than painting acrylics on canvas

to explore 'vessel' - the term, what it looks like, feels like etc

How?

I know it's vague but, for me, that's how I roll artistically/creatively. When I start I only have an indistinct idea. I've tried starting with clearer thoughts of the end product but it only constricts me, doesn't allow me free reign and I pretty much always end up dispirited and disappointed. 

I need freedom to play, to explore... to be wrong.

Practical steps

I'm planning to partake in open pottery sessions at my local Living and Learning centre 

I'm re-visiting my love of crochet - some pieces will be stiffened with the use of a simple sugar syrup (combining my foodie bent?)

I'm planning to play with paper-mache and see where that takes me.

Why?

I had a dream that I created milky porcelain vessels, held in both hands they were supped from.

They were almost breast shaped (doesn't take a genius to see connection there) though slightly almond, tear-drop shaped also. 

Anyway - that's my two-cents worth.

I'm planning on collating everyone's ideas/plans and sharing them amongst us all as I don't wish to be the keeper of information but rather a co-facilitator. We shall all hold each others' ideas amongst us as a group.Many years ago we nurtured each others' children. Now we can nurture each others' ideas. What beautiful symmetry!