Artist Spotlight Series: Amanda Bennett

March 13, 2017

Artist Spotlight Series: Amanda Bennett

Art, Artist, Artist Spotlight Series, Keri Satterfield, Louisiana, New Orleans

I am thrilled to share my latest art crush. She is a talent that nods to the past yet is au courant, She is kitschy while clever.

Take the time to read her bio as it is a touching tribute to her Grandmother’s easel.

“Her latest series demonstrates her ever-evolving and rare perspective, a photographic journey of tales untold in the way Deep South. She has taken two things she loves, acrylic mediums and photography, and transformed them in to a funk style mash up on plywood for your viewing pleasure. ”

Enjoy getting to know

Amanda Bennett

New Orleans, Louisiana

What is your training?

I’m completely self-taught – aside from afternoons painting with my grandmother in my early years, and well, watching Bob Ross paint his happy little trees.

What inspires you and your designs?

I am obsessed with two completely different worlds. I love the simplicity and crispness of mid-century advertising and design. But, I also love the texture, messiness and depth of graffiti art, especially as it has been painted over to reveal only small elements of what once was there.

What is your favorite piece?

Well, the answer to this question changes on a daily basis! I currently love this Spring Break piece…

How has the your area influenced your work?

New Orleans is busting at the seams with culture, color and inspiration. It is a fun place to visit and live but also carries very deep and serious past. This city finds a way to celebrate in the face of adversity. This inspires me to load my work with color and dual meanings in each piece.

What is your favorite restaurant in Nola?

Yikes -another difficult question in a city known for its culinary options! I think I would have to say Bacchanal.

It is my go-to suggestion for people visiting the city who want a true New Orleans vibe off the beaten path. They have an incredible courtyard with live music everyday, a wine cellar where you choose your own bottles and carry them to your table, and an ever-changing tapas menu that never disappoints.

What is your favorite cocktail?

Simple. An old fashioned.

How do you balance personal life and work?

I try my hardest to maintain some semblance of regular work week hours. Sometimes it can be challenging if I’m not feeling particularly inspired at the time. And, during busy seasons, those regular work hours end up spilling into the weekends. Lucky for me, New Orleans has something happening all the time. My weekend can be a Tuesday and Wednesday and you would almost never know the difference.

Dream trip?

I would love to drive and camp all the way from Seattle to Machu Picchu. Who wants to buy me a 4WD camper van?

Dream commission?

I’ve had the opportunity to work on some pretty fantastic commissions. To me, a dream commission is one with complete creative control and zero deadlines. Ha!

Your favorite host / hostess gift to give?

Original art!

Who is your style icon?

That’s a fantastic question. I’m sure people who know me sure wish I would find one!

Your favorite up and coming artist?

There are so many artists that I am obsessed with right now. Harry Underwood

and Lyle Carbajal are two I really love.

What is your most treasured possession?

My mother’s charm bracelet from her teen’s and early 20’s.

(not actual)

What are you reading?

I hate to admit this, but I’m not much of a reader. My attention span is not that long! That being said, George Orwell’s 1984 is currently on my bedside table. Seems significant at the moment.

What are you listening to?

Currently in heavy rotation – Anderson Paak,

Father John Misty, Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, Sturgill Simpson, Lake Street Dive, A Tribe Called Quest, Bully, Leon Bridges, Charles Bradley, Galactic, Greyboy Allstars, Dawes.

What are your favorite blogs / publications?

Did I mention I don’t read very much? Yikes.

Rolling Stone