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

Amanda, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on? Tell us the backstory so we understand circumstances/context and why it’s meaningful to you.

Looking around and talking to people I know, it seems EVERYONE could use a little (or a lot) more positivity in their lives. Studies show, positive art in your space can lift your mood and set the tone of your day. Like an emotional touch-stone, it’s a reminder of the positive, beautiful things around us, beckoning people into a calmer gentler state of mind. Strong emotions have their place, but studies show overall, our cortisol levels are unusually high at this point. Elevated cortisol levels for extended periods of time often leads to circulatory problems, digestive issues, inflammation in the body, weight gain… not to mention the damage the stress does to the relationships around you. I’v been there, so it’s something I have to work on, also.

A year ago I began manipulating sound waves in my sculpture. I’m specifically playing with the words “Love!” and “I Love You!” at the moment. For “I Love You!,” the series of wallhangings resembles fluid ribbons of sound. They lean to the right like soft cursive writing or italicized text. The intent is, to infuse more love and positive energy into any space my art inhabits. With all of my work really, I hope to uplift and inspire anyone that comes into contact with it. My audience is responding positively and they seem to understand the messages I’m sending.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Born in New Jersey, at 9 months old, I began traveling the world over with my family, living in countries like Iran, Trinidad, Dubai, Singapore and Saudi Arabia. Experiencing these different cultures from such a young age, sparked a deep appreciation for basic communication and the design elements various cultures choose to surround themselves with.
Earning a BFA from the University of North Texas, I worked as a Graphic Designer for many years. Over time, after a brief stent as an extreme cake decorator/artist, I’ve shifted into the full time clay sculptor I am today, working from home in Houston, Texas

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

At this point, I’m working towards reproducing my favorite pieces in different editions with a series, having them 3D printed, cast in large bronze and even cast in clear acrylics. As time goes on, the sculptures will get larger and larger. Eventually, I wan to place GINORMOUS abstracted orchids and botanicals in public parks and near museums. I want giant exploding, powerful florals, like a supernova towering over people passing by/underneath them.

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

3 years ago, I came to the conclusion that sculpting “figurative” work wasn’t feeling authentic or aligned with my self expression. So I’ve shifted back to some of the botanicals and abstracted forms I used to make. It’s great fun making them and my audience seems to respond very positively. The new direction is all about appreciating the little things in life, “smelling the roses” and infusing love and a positive life-force into ever room/space I can. In a sense, as tiny as I am in the grand scale of things, I’m doing my part to lift up the world.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.amandarobinwood.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/amandarobinwood
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/amanda.cummingswood
• Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/amanda-wood-7aa0972a
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCjAcT0KiQDk70YOGLXwdmWA

Image Credits
Portrait provided by FemForce.com. Sculpture Photography by Amanda Wood.