Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Murphy.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
As a child, art was my escape. I grew up in a giant and crazy family in inner-city Philadelphia. Addiction, violence, and poverty surrounded me constantly, so I lived in my imagination. I made clothing for dolls, videotaped goofy skits with my bests friends, drew make-believe characters in fantasy worlds, and was always found playing arts & crafts. I always knew I wanted to work in a creative field, as being creative always made me feel free, happy, and worth something. I wasn’t exactly sure how I would direct my creative career, but I knew it had to happen in California. Upon completing my Bachelors in Fine Arts, I finally fulfilled my dream to move to Southern California.
With the intention of eventually moving to LA to pursue film production and acting, I quickly realized that San Diego was more for me. I began immersing myself in the creative communities. I worked on various film projects with other filmmakers, began painting and drawing more frequently, and began building my portfolio for my photography and videography. I took an “acting” gig performing and teaching dental education to students all over San Diego county dressed as a tooth fairy. That was a pretty entertaining and life-changing job, as it made me realize how much I enjoyed teaching. It was then I realized my calling as an Art teacher, where I can combine my passion for Art with my love of helping others.
My goal is to help students succeed in life’s bigger picture through Art as a form of self-expression, healing, and personal growth. After I completed my teaching credential in May 2018, I decided to take a year off to travel (another passion of mine). I am currently living in a converted van with my boyfriend, roaming the country, and documenting every adventure along the way. This trip has been a catalyst for my Art, as I am taking more photographs than ever, creating a feature-length documentary of the journey, while also working on my painting along the way. This “vanlife” experience has been building my confidence as an artist, as I am inspired daily by the places I see, the people I meet, and the personal growth I am experiencing.
Please tell us about your art.
As an artist, I am a jack of all trades. I have experimented and created with various mediums and styles— including, but not limited to, paint, pencil, photo, and video. I have created everything from landscape paintings and photography, to portrait drawings and paintings, to abstract art, to storytelling through videography. I don’t think I could pick one favorite way to make Art, as I feel each way serves its own purpose for me. I create to express myself, tell a story and demonstrate my love for others.
My photography is focused on my traveling— encapsulating the culture, mood, setting, and scenery of wherever I wander and explore. One of my goals is to take more portrait photography of the amazing people I meet, sharing their stories of life’s successes and shortcomings.
My videography work is a mix of documentary-style storytelling and quirky short films where I explore the human psyche. I am currently working on a feature-length documentary that will tell the tale of my yearlong traveling journey. It will focus on the culture and historical evolution of “vanlife”, as well as document my personal growth throughout this journey. My end goal with this documentary is to submit it to film festivals, so keep your eyes peeled!
When I make fine art, it starts with inspiration from how I am feeling or with a loved one in mind. A lot of my fine art has been made for someone close to me, whether for a gift or by request. When beginning these projects, I usually reflect on that person, their interests, and their personality. I often listen to their favorite music while I create their piece. This way, the work completely instills their persona into it. Although this has been a fabulous way to give gifts, it leaves me with work that is all over the place in terms of style, and with nothing left for gallery shows. That being said, my current focus is to find my “voice” as an artist. Using inspiration from my travels and life experiences, as well as my interest in human psychology and spirituality, I am currently working to build my repertoire of artwork to display and sell. I want to find my signature style, and create unique pieces that others could identify as being created by me.
Upon viewing my artwork, in all its forms, I hope people take away with them an emotional experience. Maybe it will remind them of a loved one lost. Maybe it will be relatable to them, and let them know they are not alone. Whatever the case may be, I want others to be touched by my work. I want my artwork to bring its viewers joy and nostalgia. I want my artwork to strike up a conversation and deeper thinking from its viewers. For it is through Art we can express, explore, document, and define ourselves.
Choosing a creative or artistic path comes with many financial challenges. Any advice for those struggling to focus on their artwork due to financial concerns?
Think outside the box. Be willing to take risks. Never compare yourself or your work to others. Work hard to make your dreams happen. No job is beneath you. Success as an artist or creative will not be handed to you, but the result will be worth it. Everyone’s story is unique. With determination, ambition, and consistency in your creative practice, you will see the chapters of your life unfold before you. Stay positive! I am still working towards my goal of having a steady income from my art, but I am never going to give up. For me, being an Art teacher allocates me the time and environment to constantly be creative, while also providing me with a steady income. This will provide me the financial stability I need to continue pursuing my own art, as well as allow me to share my passion for creativity with others.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
People can see my artwork on my Instagram @offgridcanvas! I am currently building a website to better display my fine art, photography, and videography (a link to the temporary site can be found on my Instagram profile). People can support my work by following my traveling art journey on Instagram, commission me for any projects they need, and purchase originals & prints of my work! Word of mouth is an Artist’s best friend, so please share what you enjoy of my work with your friends! I also would love support for my work in the form of kind words, constructive criticism, and words of encouragement. 😊
Contact Info:
- Email: aj.hybridarts@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/offgridcanvas
- Other: https://vimeo.com/hybridartsvideos
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