Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Meyer.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I am a conceptual portrait photographer and self portrait artist. I strive to create images that strike emotion in others and allow for others to be inspired. I want to create an emotional connection with myself, my images and to others. I love nature and am truly fascinated by the connecting between nature and the human form. I believe I always knew I was meant to create, even if I wasn’t always sure what that meant. My camera is the looking glass, the window for the sprit to flow through freely without fear. I want to tell a story and connect, to break down barriers and not be afraid to show the world who I really am. In order to do this, I create. I grew up in the western suburbs of Chicago, always loving art class and creative writing more than anything. I had a hard time communicating my feelings but when I created any type of artworks, I always felt a release. Sometimes feelings I didn’t even know I had would surface through my art. The older I got the more meaningful my art became to me. I realized that theses raw emotions I was sharing through my artwork really connected to others, even if they couldn’t quite figure out why. I found it difficult to connect with others and developed anxiety and other symptoms. Out of this dark place I found a light, an outlit-my passion. I believe that everything in this life holds some meaning or purpose, and to be able to connect with another individual through a very personal piece of art truly amazes me. I create art because I want to, because I need to. I do it for me. I love that I can share this with others and hope that it inspires you in some way. Creativity is passion and I’ve found mine. I cannot wait to see what I come up with next! I am honored to be a part of the creative community and I am constantly learning from myself and other artists.
Please tell us about your art.
I am a creator. I am a photographer, but I am more than that. I am a visual artist who uses a camera to tell a visual story through digital images. I like the term conceptual over fine art to describe my work because I feel that conceptual captures the darkness and whimsy I incorporate into my work better. I am a composite artist because I combine multiple images that I photograph into one final assembled creation. I am a digital artist because I primarily use Photoshop as a tool to combine these various images. I am a digital photographer because my main tool is my camera. I am a portrait artist because I capture the essence of people. These images that I create can be anything from a commissioned piece for a book or album cover, a portrait, a creation inspired by nature or an emotion, or simply a stylized self-portrait. All of these things represent who I am as an individual and an artist. Each image has its own story. The story that I have, the story that inspired the image, may not be the same story that the viewer interprets and I love that! I create to share my own story but strive to do so in way that anyone who views the image can relate to. Specifically I am inspired by nature and the connection we as humans have or should have to it. I am also inspired by themes of rebirth, metamorphosis, connection, expansion, personal growth, emotion in general, beauty, enchantment, mystery, darkness, imagination and the like. I choose to create with color and texture because it brings a painterly effect to the work, enchanting it even more than just a photograph. This adds another layer to the image, the story. Because that’s just it, the images I create are so much more then photographs! Each layer I add to these images enhances the storytelling experience for me as the creator, and you as the viewer. I create to show the world who I am. I create to connect with others. I create to let you know that you are not alone. There is always someone somewhere who feels what you’ve felt. I want my viewers to feel that connection. To feel like they can be whoever they want to be and that following your passions and being true to yourself is the best road to travel. (Even if sometimes that path can be a bit dark and scary)
As an artist, how do you define success and what quality or characteristic do you feel is essential to success as an artist?
Being true to yourself and following your passion is the best way to be a successful artist. I don’t measure my success by how many prints I sell or commissions I do or events I participate in. All these things are good and help support me, but just being free to create and share and connect is the true success in my opinion. Stick with it. That is the number one most important thing in being an artist. It is so easy to get wrapped up in life and everything that comes with it. But if creating is what makes you happy, that is what you should use to measure your success. Are you doing what it is you want to do? Is the message you are trying to portray getting across? Are you having fun? Do you feel alive? Are you creating for yourself? Then you are successful. Just do it. Commitment is the secret to success. Be you.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
Online:
https://www.facebook.com/amandammeyerphotography/
https://www.instagram.com/amandameyer_photo/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/ameyer11/
https://amandammeyer.carbonmade.com
https://www.etsy.com/shop/CreativeByAmanda
I also participate in local art shows and fairs around the suburbs that I post on social media.
I am also a part of a show coming up in Cape Cod, MA titled Emote.
The opening reception is November 9th at 5pm. The cultural center of Cape Cod. 307 Old Main St. South Yarmouth MA 02664. More information below.
http://sleepingawakephoto.com/gallery/emote/
I regularly show work in Gallery 125 inside the sugar grove library.
And participate in many events in downtown Aurora for first Fridays.
As of right now, I do not have any other work on display, but all event stay updated online.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://amandammeyer.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandameyer_photo/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amandammeyerphotography/
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/CreativeByAmanda
Image Credit:
All images are my own. The one image of the two ladies are Marsha Denlinger and Samantha Goss, all other images are of myself- Amanda Meyer
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
