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

Amanda, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

As a kid, I had always dreamed of being an artist. Unfortunately, as a senior in high school I had received mixed messages of becoming an artist or art teacher because society viewed it as a job I would not be able to survive financially in. That pressured me into pursuing Psychology in college, and thankfully, I still did art as a minor. Once I graduated, I started working full time as a victim advocate on the statewide sexual assault crisis hotline for Connecticut. I found this work incredibly rewarding, yet at the same time- I could feel the weight of the world on my shoulders. Anxiety and depression had set in. I wasn’t making time for art like I used to- weeks turned into months, until eventually about a year or two had passed before I intentionally created art. I could feel a hole in my life that felt empty and void of joy, but I was so nervous about picking up a pen or paintbrush again. I had become critical of myself. But one day, I found out about acrylic pouring, an abstract fluid painting technique that forces you to let go of all expectations and limits. I started posting these paintings on my Instagram page (@AmandaMendozaArt), and I would title them after important moments of my life. It wasn’t until a dear artist friend of mine (@freedom4ewa) encouraged me to share my stories in more depth online because she could tell there was more I wanted to say. Thank you, Ewa! Ever since, I started sharing more personally about my life experiences and my identity as a first-generation Latine American, queer, artist and survivor of sexual/physical child abuse. I noticed my art and stories were deeply connecting with folks in my community, and this gave me the confidence to be able to pursue creating art and storytelling as a part-time profession. I’m grateful for every moment I have seen where my art has helped someone feel seen. Art heals me, and I believe it has the power to heal others too.

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?

My name is Amanda Mendoza, and I am a queer, first-generation Latine American, artist and survivor of childhood sexual/physical abuse. I use art as a pathway to healing and connection with others. I illustrates my work using a variety of mediums, such as acrylic paint, acrylic pouring, pen and ink, and alcohol ink markers to show themes of healing and empowerment. Gliding my pencil across the paper and sketching out my emotions has always felt relieving to me. As a kid, I was dealing with complex emotions I didn’t quite understand yet, but drawing made me feel better. I truly believe art was the beginning of my healing journey, and I’m grateful for how my artwork has helped me connect with the community and other survivors of sexual assault. My small art business started in 2019 while I was working full-time as a Victim Advocate on the statewide sexual assault crisis hotline. I was invited to host painting workshops for after school and foster care programs, teach youth art classes in museums, and share my work at local art shows. My art has also helped raise funds for local domestic violence shelters and sexual assault crisis centers. Through the years, I learned that art can do more than decorate a wall; art can make the loneliest person in the room feel seen. My goal is to continue to share my art with the world, no matter how dark or colorful it may be. Art saved me, and I believe it has the power to heal others too.

While I sometimes sell originals and prints of my works, I also provide various services, such as:
– Portrait Commissions (family, pets, wedding, etc.)
– Murals
– Painting Classes/Workshops for private parties, non-profits, companies, and support groups
– General Commissions & Illustrations

I am open to hearing any ideas you may have, so please reach out to me!
[email protected]

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Supporting an artist does not always involve money. Supporting an artist or creative could look like sharing their art and mission with a friend, family member, or co-worker. It could look like leaving a review on their page about your experience working and connecting with them. Support could look like sharing their work on your social media pages or leaving a comment to help with the dreaded algorithm! I love when people have shared information with me about upcoming festivals in their area that I have not heard about or someone referring me to a friend of theirs looking for a potential commission. Lastly, artists/creatives should support other artists/creatives! I have often seen competition get in the way of artists becoming friends and helping each other, and it makes me so sad to see. We are all in this together, and we need each other to grow and to continue to do great things! The world needs more art and artists!

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

I’m still unlearning this to be honest, and I feel like many artists/creatives struggle with this. When you’re just starting your art business, it’s really easy to bend and mold yourself to what a client wants because you’re trying to build a portfolio and receive commissions. The issue with this is you might force yourself to create things you’re not passionate about, and this is the quickest way to burnout. A few days ago, someone asked me if I can create a logo for them, and I’m very proud of myself for saying- “No, I’m not skilled in creating logos, but I know someone I can refer you to!.” There is a little voice in your head sometimes that says, “Give it a try! Make the logo!” but I know deep down, I’m not passionate about it nor do I have the skills someone may be looking for, and that is OK! There are other artist friends of mine I know I can refer that person to, and that is what supporting art and artists is all about!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://amandamendozaart.square.site/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandamendozaart/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmandaMendozaArt/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@amandamendozaart?si=InmHNOlZk9szwuIu
• Other: https://linktr.ee/amandamendoza_art