We recently connected with Amanda Reilly and have shared our conversation below.

Amanda, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The most meaningful project I’ve ever worked on was through a grant I received in 2023 through NYSCA (New York State Council On The Arts). I held a solo gallery art show at Patchogue Arts Council – MOCA LI. The project itself called “Kaleidoscope Of Grief”, was focused on the process of grief and delving through how us as humans have a non linear way of processing loss.

My show that took less than year to complete, consisted of over 20 wooden die cut colorful surrealistic butterfly shaped paintings and one large indoor mural. Using a play on words, ‘Kaleidoscope’ also is a term for a large gathering of butterflies. Each painted piece visually represented different stages of grief with combinations of emotions that are associated with loss. The opportunity to execute this project was so meaningful to me because I felt alone and struggled to navigate the grief and loss in my life over the past few years. Over time, I came to realize that everyone experiences the stages and emotions of grief so differently and wanted to visually showcase that in a personally deep way.

Amanda, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

So I’ve always been a creative at heart but didn’t know where to channel it. I originally graduated from Farmingdale State College through their graphic design program. So essentially I’m trained in graphic design, branding, and digital media. It wasn’t till later on did I realize how much I did enjoy painting and began to teach myself how to do it. My paintings over the years have gotten more surreal and emotional. I paint transmogrified forms, monsters, troubled creatures, colorful hellscapes usually under themes of grief, frustration, pain and self doubt. My work sits in the realm of surrealism but my background in graphic design has allowed me to quickly adapt to different projects on a case by case basis.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

One of the most important resources for artists is community. Early on in my career, I wish there was more resources for participating in events, meet ups, workshops and more. There is definitely more of that now. Due to some incredible art councils and organizations the art scene on Long Island has strengthened over the past few years, it was pretty barren years ago with not many groups or events going on.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Being able to reach people on a unique emotional level for me is the most rewarding aspect of being an artist. When I’m buried in my ideas or have been stuck looking at a piece for a long time that I’ve painted and get visually sick of it, sometimes its easy to forget that once its put in a gallery space for public display, it will be viewed for the first time by an audience that will be captivated by it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.amandareilly.com
• Instagram: @Amandareillyart