Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Shell.
Amanda, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Growing up with a mother who was an artist instilled in me that creative expression was a necessity of life. In the late 70’s into the early ’80’s, she had a needlepoint shop in the Old Town Triangle area (where I grew up). Every day after school, my sister and I would walk to her store. People gathered there to “stitch & bitch” for hours on end while drinking stale coffee. They were like a second family to us. Without even realizing it, I saw first-hand how the arts can bring people together and build an encouraging community.
Never being the greatest at academics, I realized I could say more with my drawings. Doodling became a therapy for me that has continued thru my adult years. Paint naturally ties in the power of color and pattern to my doodles and that provides the basis for my illustrated PoPtimist Art.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Being a creative maker is always a bit of a struggle. You are essentially selling a piece of yourself in every item you make. That can cause a lot of second guessing and self-doubt (especially when a piece that is dear to you falls flat to the public!!) It was not until I realized that in the self-doubt, I was able to see what really mattered to me and that made me push harder to get my voice out into the world.
There is strength in struggle – you realize what you really appreciate, you realize what you really want. I had a successful mural business for over 10 years that gave me financial comfort and although I enjoyed working with so many great clients, what I was creating didn’t have the meaning to me that my work does today. It made it harder to create and there was inevitable burnout.
Now, creating from a source of personal authenticity, I make art that lifts others up and provides a moment of silly snickers for strangers. Sometimes I feel I am really just talking to myself through my paintings, but when I see how the work resonates with so many others, it really just proves the unity of humanity.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Hello Amanda Shell – what should we know?
Hello Amanda Shell is filled with my illustrations painted on paper, canvas, skate decks, and an assortment of other items. I call my work PoPtimist Art – there is a heavy splash of optimism (with an occasional dash of snark) in my creations. Between the cartoons of my childhood, the fabulous characters that I stared at on cereal boxes, and the vibrant city that Chicago was in my youth, even as an adult, I still see the world as one giant color splash filled with comic book characters. This translates into my art. For example, a character that often pops up in my paintings is a fanged flower named Mr.NiceGuy – he was inspired by a period of my life that was filled with one bad date after the next! His motto is “more hugs, less bugs” … and serves as a reminder that even in the bad, there is usually some good.
Nothing makes me happier than when a new collector tells me that they just “had to have” a particular piece because it spoke to them so loudly. I want my art to comfort and encourage others, like an old friend would, so that they know they are valued and never alone in this great big world.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
To be successful at anything be it a business, a relationship, or anything else, you have to believe in what you are doing, You have to know what your “why” is behind your actions …… if not, you are just busying yourself to fill the time that makes up your life and others can feel that inauthenticity (not to mention what a sad way to be living life.) I can honestly say I never felt “successful” until I really figured out the “why” of my creating….and when I did and knew that I needed to encourage and engage others to see their own personal value via my art , did I finally feel a level of success.
Pricing:
- Original art starts at $25
Contact Info:
- Website: www.HelloAmandaShell.com
- Instagram: @HelloAmandaShell
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.
