We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Amanda Cook. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Amanda below.

Amanda, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I have known I wanted to be an artist for as long as I can remember. When I was maybe 6 or 7 years old I would watch Bob Ross on TV and pull out my Crayola easel and watercolor paints and try to paint with him. Of course, the materials were all wrong but it didn’t stop me from trying. From then on out, I took every art class and workshop I could. The only AP class I ever got into in high school was my art classes. Over the years I let the feelings of what I “should” do instead sidetrack me but my path was always there waiting. It wasn’t until after the birth of my second child that I finally decided it was time to stop wishing and start doing. That was 2 years ago and I have been actively pursuing my creativity ever since.

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?

“I work as a painter, specializing in watercolor and I am deeply passionate about capturing the natural world’s beauty through my art. My focus is mostly on florals, and I strive to bring out the delicate details and vibrant colors in every painting.

I am based in Western North Carolina, which provides me with a perfect backdrop for inspiration. The stunning landscapes and diverse flora in this region never fail to amaze me.

To me, flowers symbolize the cycle of life. Without death, there would be no regrowth, no beauty. My artwork conveys these beautiful little moments and I hope that when someone sees one of my paintings, it reminds them of how beautiful the world can be and brings a smile to their face.”

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I feel like I’ve spent the last decade unlearning most of what I picked up in my early childhood. My family tried to support my desire to be an artist, but they also didn’t understand it. I grew up with a lot of lack mentality and struggle. I spent a lot of my life feeling like it was foolish to wish for the life I wanted and that I should just accept and be happy with what I had. But I also knew I wanted something else, so I started reading personal development books and finding people who expanded my view of the world. Like taking baby steps, I began to clear up the social and family programming and started finding who I truly am and what I desire in this life. Recently, I got certified in therapeutic art and Neuro-linguistic programming, and soon, I’ll be offering mentoring sessions. I’m excited to incorporate it into my creative career as a painter.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I believe that my ultimate goal in life is to live with the utmost joy and ease, while also helping others achieve the same. Whether it’s through bringing a little happiness to someone’s life by having one of my paintings in their living room, or by mentoring someone to help them find their authentic path, I hope to make a positive impact on those around me.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.amandacookcreative.com
• Instagram: amanda_cook_art