Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Amanda Narain. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Amanda, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

It’s hard to point out one specific project as most meaningful because each project was most meaningful in the moment and taught me different things. The more experience I gain as an Artist, the more complex my projects become, as I push my boundaries. The last year however, I made huge strides in connecting my Visual Art with Fashion, and then Decor.

Last summer I created a collection of paintings which was represented by Monat Gallery in Madrid and was shown in The Luxembourg Art Fair last September. I also built my Spring/Summer 23 Fashion collection ‘Time & Tide’ around the same artwork. This collection was presented at RISE NYFW last September as well and is set to launch end of March. Both were milestone experiences individually, but together, gave me a huge push, not only as an artist, but as a brand to develop my Art into Fashion and the feedback was incredible! I am now working on some Home Decor pieces to run parallel.

The overall experience will definitely shape how I build future collections and the process behind it.

Amanda, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a Visual Artist/ Fashion Designer/ Aspiring Interior Decorator. After many years I can say I am so excited to be at a stage where I’ve figured out how to combine these three elements into one, under the name ‘The ABOA Collective’.

Art has been my focus for the past nine years, after leaving a secure career. I’ve always been around art as a child; my Dad used to paint and build all sorts of cool things. My Mom and Grandma used to sew. My brother and I would play ‘art school’ when we were little. It always felt natural to create, I just didn’t have the confidence back then to pursue it.

It wasn’t until I quit my job and started painting that I felt this huge sense of freedom. At that time it was all experimental but it felt as though I discovered a world within me and through creating, I subconsciously started my path to Spirituality. The more time I spent pouring myself into a canvas, the deeper my thoughts would flow. It was an incredible feeling when I started realizing that messages were coming back to me when I was in ‘the zone’. That feeling is indescribable and is worth all of the struggle that comes with being an artist.

My work is heavily influenced by nature, sound/rhythm, and my spirituality. My style ranges from abstract, to realism; and mediums from ink and graphite to acrylic. However, my specialty is Pointillism, both in ink on paper and acrylic on canvas. I’ve showcased my work in both in Solo & Group exhibitions in Toronto, as well as Art Fairs across USA and Europe.

In terms of Fashion, I started out doing custom painted pieces, but I have moved onto Textile Art and Patterns, and have also learned basics in sewing. I’m really happy with the combination of artwork and fabrics; as I advance in my sewing skills, my designs are becoming more detailed.

During the pandemic I enrolled in an Interior Decorating program which I’m set to finish this year. I am absolutely loving it and being able to apply the Principals and Elements of Design in a 3D manner.

Although I am still available for commissioned artwork, I have been busy building my brand, The ABOA Collective is an extension of ‘Art Book Of Amanda’ which I’ve been using as my artist name. The objective is to connect with individuals (women specifically) who are going through transitions and trying to change their lives. I think it’s vital that our home and clothing is reflective on the energy we are aspiring to be, as it has such a huge impact on our overall mood. Through colour, texture, and imagery I think I can be an asset to help people reach this.

I am so excited about where I am at the moment and even more excited to keep building on it, while meeting new people to help shape my experience.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

On a personal note, my art has become a coping mechanism to help keep me balanced. My parents both have a set of health issues they’re working through and over the years I’ve had to take on various caregiver roles. I think that could be why the imagery in my work has become so strong- my experiences are fuelling the emotion and energy going into my work, whether it’s a personal piece or commissioned.

In terms of outreach, I ultimately want to create pieces which help to spark a sense of ‘Becoming My Truest Self’ for my viewers. Encouraging people to listen to their intuition, to do the things they keep putting off, or taking the steps to become the person they’ve always dreamt of being. Small steps while believing they are worthy.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

Definitely, and that is not being able to understand the amount of time, money, dedication, and risk involved in achieving any sort of of success as a creative; not to mention being able to manage the emotions of being in an industry that’s so unpredictable.

Even the other day, I had someone completely shocked when I told them about materials and expenses behind my last NYFW season, as well as the time I spent in production- which I was not getting paid for. The reaction was ‘but you’re so talented, you shouldn’t have to pay for that’ … I know right?

That’s where the dedication makes a world of a difference, but at the end of the day nothing is guaranteed. It’s just passion and deciding you will NOT give up, no matter how crazy it all actually seems.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.TheABOAcollective.com
• Instagram: @ayyemanderzzz
• Facebook: ABOA- Mind Body Home
• Other: Secondary IG accounts: @aboa.life @333.tranquila

Image Credits
RISE NYFW, Feb ‘23 Derek Samaha, RAW Artists