We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Amanda Clark a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Amanda, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.

My parents let me fail. It’s a simple yet profound lesson that has shaped my life and career.

Growing up in a modest household, my father, an artist and carpenter, was our sole provider until I turned eight. Meanwhile, my mother, the unsung hero, homeschooled us four girls until my eldest sister reached 10th grade. From an early age, I harbored a passion for art. Witnessing my father’s artistic pursuits inspired me; however, he never forced art on us. Instead, he encouraged us to explore our creativity autonomously. When I once asked him about my parents’ hands-off approach, he explained that he wanted us to embrace art out of genuine desire, not obligation.

Yet, despite this freedom, I grappled with perfectionism and a fear of failure. I hoarded my art supplies, hesitating to use them for fear of making mistakes. It wasn’t until later, after receiving guidance from teachers and mentors who urged me to “loosen up,” that I began to unlock my creative potential.

Reflecting on my journey, I realize the significance of my parents’ approach. I used to work at a paint n’ sip studio where people of any age could pick a painting off the wall, and I would teach them how to paint it. One day, a mom came in with her 7-year-old son. He was so scared to mess it up that his mom ended up painting the whole thing for him! This scenario happened quite often, and it broke my heart.

My parents’ willingness to let me fail has not only shaped me as an artist but has also cultivated a profound understanding of the value of resilience and self-discovery. It’s a reminder that the journey of artistic growth isn’t about avoiding mistakes but embracing them as opportunities for learning and growth. Today, as I continue to seek my father’s feedback on my work, I am reminded of the enduring bond of trust and mutual respect that underpins our relationship. Through their unwavering support, my parents have not only influenced my artistic journey but also instilled in me a deeper appreciation for the transformative power of failure.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

When I was a young girl, my father, a pro-life painter, introduced me to the intricate stages of fetal development, making me familiar with the delicate journey of life before I even turned five. Unfortunately, my family also experienced the heartbreak of miscarriages and premature births, which deeply impacted me, though I didn’t fully understand their significance until later in life.

At just six years old, my greatest fear was the possibility of not being able to become a mother myself. With my aspirations clearly defined—marriage, motherhood, and a career in art—I gravitated towards themes of maternity and birth in my work.

Celebrating the miracle of life has become a central focus of my artistic expression. Using a blend of abstract forms and figurative elements, I delve into the emotional and physical dimensions of the human experience, drawing heavily from my personal journey with the challenges of the female reproductive system. My art serves as a beacon of hope and healing, designed to spark conversations and empower viewers.

Collaborating with photographers, I create unique, large-scale portraits that infuse realism with expressive bursts of color and abstract elements, capturing not just the likeness but also the essence and personality of my subjects.

As I continue to evolve in my career, my dream is to connect with clients on a deeper level by traveling to them, photographing them in intimate settings, and using those personal interactions to inform and enrich my art. By weaving together my own photographs with their stories, I aim to create truly authentic and impactful works that resonate with both the subject and the viewer.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

Two books have profoundly impacted my life: ‘I Will Teach You to Be Rich’ by Ramit Sethi and ‘The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Keeping Your Sh*t Together’ by Sherry Walling PhD and Rob Walling. These resources have shown me that as artists, we don’t have to struggle financially, and we can prioritize our mental health while balancing the myriad roles we play—artist, accountant, social media director, spouse, parent, and more.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

It’s incredibly fulfilling when someone shares their interpretation or emotional response to my art. While some may perceive it in line with my original intent, others offer unique perspectives shaped by their own experiences. I cherish the dialogue that my work sparks, inviting diverse conversations and insights.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.amandaclarkart.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandaclarkfineart/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3D
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064157106684

Image Credits
Jay Nelson