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

Amanda , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

I am so lucky right now to be starting on one of my most meaningful projects ever. What started out as a call for artists for the Thread That Bind Fiber show, turned into a community that was looking for a home. As I started to sign up fiber artists I got to hear about their struggles in our small town, and that there was no outlet for the fiber arts. I have now made it my mission to now find those fiber artists, and creators in our area. After stumbling upon a few more artists, again I would hear the same story of that they just didn’t know where to go.
I am so ecstatic to find this beautiful group of fiber friends, and I have now committed to giving fiber artists a voice and an outlet, not just to show their work in a gallery but to also share their craft with demos and events in my gallery and store.

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?

My story is as varied as the weather in Colorado. Photography took me all over the world for fine art and boxing photography. Those two are similar, and not so similar in many aspects. One week I could be in Italy for an exhibition and the following week ringside shooting photography for an international boxing match on ESPN.

I have participated in an international art shows with my fine art photography in Denver, NYC, Washington DC, Miami, London, Dubai, and Venice. My art has been featured in international magazines like House & Garden, and my photography has been published in London sports magazines, art magazines, and Pin-Up Style magazines. I had worked my way up to the position of art dealer in Dubai. The lifestyle was fast and exciting, but after sometime it became a grind.

After whirlwind tours around the world, I find myself on a 62-acre homestead in the mountains of Southern Colorado. Many things have changed for me now. I run a small gallery and eco-refill store in Trinidad, and I focus on woodworking and natural mosaics with wildlife skulls and bones.

We host community events such as clothing swaps, and art shows. Our mission is to give the community greener solutions to living through healthy package free bath and body products, and arts based in nature and upcycling.

The gallery and store is to give those an opportunity to exhibit, or have a place of their own to sell their art/craft. I have had a primary focus on elevating women’s voices in art and agriculture in the community. Many women in our rural area are ranchers, farmers and are inspired by the land they cultivate. During this process I have been able to bring together a community of people who elevate each other in art and business.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

The point missed by society is that art is a business. As much as sometimes we as artists cringe at that too! We have overhead, we have rather expensive materials, and post 2020 hasn’t help that much either. But this plays into one huge factor that consumers possibly overlook often is the price of overhead + our time/skill = price. And yes that price is much larger than the big box copy cat art. Art is an investment, but its something that you won’t regret! Ok, so the price is out of your range, its understandable. Please don’t offer us exposure… but instead ask if we have prints, ask for commissions in your price range. Be honest, it’s ok, we as artists are a very understanding community.
Many artists also produce what’s called “smalls” or “starter packs”! Those little stickers, art cards, and small wares have been created with everyone in mind. Pick up a couple of those, it really makes our day. And walk away with a little piece of that artists work! Its a win/win.
I will also tell you the biggest way you can help an artist, its even bigger than a post share… word of mouth. I cannot begin to tell you about the power of a true honest face to face referral. When someone compliments your purchased art piece in your home or office, we ask that you not only say, “Thank You.” But pass along our information with a glowing recommendation. Your friends already trust you, thus meaning that your referral has its weight in gold!
But please, don’t stop sharing out posts. We still always appreciate that too.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

My most current turn of events, going from big city travel, to rural ranch is the most important pivot of my life. Also, the most rewarding. The burn out almost squashed my passion and had left me feeling beyond unfulfilled. I also added learning to say “no”, for myself. When I recognized what I needed to do, walking away was so cathartic. I felt like I was ready not just to write a new chapter, but an entire new series!
The word “grind” was one glorified as: “It’s what you do.” As a creative it was the most unhealthiest of things to do. Once learning the power of “No”, things became more clear, and I felt like I was able to see and define my mission.
I was very fortunate to do all the travel and big shows, and I learned a life time of knowledge of which I apply to my business. But I also learned a lot of cautionary tales, of which I avoid in my art business. I also now share these cautionary tales, and take the time to teach my artists as they join my gallery!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.adornedforest.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/AdornedForest
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/MainandMapleTdadCO
• Other: www.Instagram.com/Main_and_Maple_Trinidad_CO , www.instagram.com/RusticIntentions , www.instagram.com/CatCabin_inthewoods