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

Amanda Jeanne, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

The most meaningful project for me has been “Your Mess is a Masterpiece.” It began as a performance piece for “Salut les Voisins” at the Y4Y Youth Leadership Forum, designed to connect deeply with the audience by sharing personal narratives as living art. My story was of my experiences as an artist, a neurodivergent individual, a mother to five, and someone who battles with depression. It’s a narrative of my countless attempts, failures, and the relentless effort to rise again.

This project holds a special place in my heart because it reflects my own journey of self-discovery and acceptance. It’s a reminder that our messes, the very things we often wish to hide, are in fact what make us uniquely beautiful. Through this work, I’ve had the privilege of connecting with others on a deeply personal level, sharing the message that it’s okay to be a work in progress, and that in our struggles, there’s potential for incredible artistry.

Following the initial performance of “Your Mess is a Masterpiece,” the impact was so profound that I was invited to share it again, this time with a high school class at the request of a teacher friend. This opportunity allowed me to expand the project’s reach and deepen its impact.

In this setting, the performance took on a new dimension. Not only did I share my journey and the core message of finding beauty in our chaos, but we also engaged in an art therapy activity. Each student selected an affirmation that resonated with them, a positive statement that reflected their hopes, dreams, or strengths. Together, we then transferred these affirmations onto a group canvas, creating a collective masterpiece that symbolized unity, positivity, and the diverse tapestry of individual stories within the class.

This collaborative piece, imbued with the affirmations of each student, was later hung in their classroom, serving as a constant reminder of the power of positive thought and the beauty of collective expression. This experience was incredibly meaningful to me because it demonstrated the transformative power of art in real-time, impacting the students and creating a lasting symbol of their shared experience. It reinforced my belief in art as a tool for communication, healing, and community building, making “Your Mess is a Masterpiece” not just a project but a movement towards embracing our individual and collective journeys.

Amanda Jeanne, 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?

I’m Amanda Jeanne, an artist with a passion deeply rooted in the exploration of human emotions through art. Based in Quebec, my journey is fueled by a desire to understand and express the complex emotions we all navigate. Art has always been my therapy, a way to find balance in life’s chaos.

My journey has been marked by various forms of artistic expression, but a defining moment was my participation in Art Battles. These live competitive painting events were not just about showcasing talent but also about resilience, adaptability, and the raw expression of creativity under pressure. Competing in Art Battles taught me to embrace the unpredictability of the creative process and to trust in my ability to convey powerful emotions, even in the most high-pressure situations. This experience has been instrumental in shaping my approach to art, encouraging me to push boundaries and explore new dimensions of expression.

A particularly significant project that emerged from my journey is the upcoming “Squirrel Brain, Chickadee Soul” retreat. This retreat is a culmination of my experiences, and marks my first foray into creating a space for individuals, especially those who are neurodivergent, to explore self-acceptance and balance through art and communal support.

What sets me apart is my dedication not just to creating art but to fostering an environment for personal growth and healing. I view art as a vehicle for self-discovery and emotional release, extending beyond mere aesthetic appeal.

I take great pride in the potential my work has to impact individuals on their journey toward self-awareness. The anticipation and planning of my first retreat have been a profound experience, underscoring the transformative power of creative expression.

To my potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that my brand represents a movement towards embracing vulnerability and finding beauty in our imperfections. As I embark on this new chapter with my first retreat, my goal remains to build a community where we can all see our “mess” as a burgeoning masterpiece.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

A story that truly showcases my resilience is from my time at the Mtl en Arts festival in Montreal. After facing a series of rejections, my acceptance to this festival felt like a major breakthrough. I was nervous yet excited to give an artist talk, especially in a city where language posed an additional challenge for me.

On the day of my talk, as I was setting up my piece “I Let The Light In” in Parc de l’Espoir, I faced a confrontational moment when an individual, under the influence, verbally attacked me, questioning the value of my presence and work, due to my being an Anglophone in a largely French-speaking province. This moment was pivotal; what followed was a testament to the power of community and the resilience not just within me but within the art itself.

Fellow Montrealers, including artists and locals, came to my defense, affirming their interest and respect for my work. This incident, rather than deterring me, reinforced the importance of my voice and art. It underscored that even in moments of vulnerability and doubt, there’s a collective strength ready to uplift and listen.

This experience at the festival was a profound lesson in resilience. It taught me that while there will always be challenges and moments of doubt, there is also incredible support and solidarity to be found. It reinforced my belief in the importance of pushing forward, staying true to my art, and the power of community.

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

A pivotal moment in my journey was about a year into the pandemic. Feeling burnt out and overwhelmed, I realized I needed a significant change. I told my husband I needed a break to rediscover myself. So, I rented a car, secured a cabin in North Carolina, and armed myself with books, paint, and canvases. This retreat was devoid of the usual distractions—no electricity, running water, or cell service. It was just me, nature, and my art supplies.

This period of solitude was transformative. I taught myself to paint, journaled, and reconnected with my inner artist, a part of me that had been overshadowed by life’s relentless pace. This pivot wasn’t just about taking a break; it was a fundamental shift in how I approached my life and art. It reminded me of the importance of taking time for oneself, leading to a rejuvenation of creativity and purpose. This experience marked a turning point, reinforcing the belief that sometimes, to move forward, we must step away and reflect. This journey of self-discovery was not just a pivot but a leap towards embracing my true self as an artist.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.amandajeanneartworks.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a.manda.jeanne/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amandajeanneartworks/
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-jeanne
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUQEVfkyuzclqp5eBkBJMdA
• Other: Linktree: https://linktr.ee/AmandaJeanneArtworks