We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Amantha Tsaros. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Amantha below.
Hi Amantha, thanks for joining us today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?
Being an artist is the only way I want to live. I have had “regular” jobs and I have often found them stifling. While I enjoy being around people and working on projects with other people, I find the schedule and answering to a boss often stifling.
The funny thing about wanting to keep my own schedule is that when I keep my own schedule I work much more than I would have to in a traditional job. I feel as if I am working constantly but it is so rewarding that I prefer it. Who needs Sunday off, anyway?
Working in my studio, I have the freedom to make decisions about how I want to approach how my work is represented and I don’t really have to compromise if I don’t want to.
The only thing I miss is seeing many other people regularly – it can get a bit lonely in the studio if I am not careful – so I do reach out to other artists regularly.
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?
My name is Amantha Tsaros, and I’m an aggressively optimistic artist. Sure, there is darkness in the world but I choose to paint the light.
I am wildly exuberant about making art that will return joy to your soul (and home!) at the end of turbulent times.
I start every painting with a goal of lifting the viewer’s spirits. It is thrilling when a studio visitor gleefully exclaims, “Your work makes me SO happy!”
My bold, abstract paintings tell stories of resilience and hope.
With color and canvas, I work to trample darkness with optimism, joy and love. My paintings are a dare to overtake the forces that repress us and to rise up and dominate with positivity. Each painting is a celebration of life with colors and shapes that express joy, hope or overcoming hardship. And every color choice is a bold statement, telling the world that I am not neutral. I side with inclusivity, diversity and love.
I create paintings in a variety of sizes and will soon be offering a series of prints to allow greater access to my work. Several times a year I release home goods or accessories featuring my work – I want to spread joy on every surface possible!
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding experience is always when I encounter someone whose day has been improved by seeing my work. It is such a thrill to have someone enter my studio and exclaim that they “so NEEDED to see this today!” Usually it is someone who has had a hard week and being among my paintings changes their mood. I have been at events where visitors will enter my booth and won’t want to leave because the environment is so energizing to them. Experiencing how the work moves people is indescribably touching.
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.
The one thing I want non-creatives to know is that painters have to work regularly. We cannot sit around waiting for inspiration to strike. Artists truly must just set to work whether or not they feel like it. You get up and go in and start working – there is no magic other than time and effort. Sure there is inspiration and maybe even a muse – but they only show up if you are making art.
Also a super big secret it – we don’t show you the bad paintings! Everyone makes garbage at some point but we don’t show you. Ssh! Don’t tell anyone – let’s keep that between us, ok?
Contact Info:
- Website: www.amanthatsaros.com
- Instagram: @amanthatsarosart