I grew up in the suburbs of Atlanta. I moved to Homer, Alaska in the summer of 2016 and found a home and community that have helped me flourish. I started painting in 2018 while taking a class with artist David Pettibone. I love hiking, foraging, tidepooling, making art, reading, camping and adventuring, and I work for a local conservation non-profit.
Artist Statement
The creative process offers both escape and heightened presence. Focusing on each step- from setting up my palette to cleaning out my brushes after a session- helps me feel more grounded. I disentangle from the constant demands on my attention in daily life. Experiencing the meditative state of flow is a relief to my busy brain, and in the process I revisit some of the beauty and wonder I’ve experienced around me. Ultimately, making art is a practice in engaging with beauty, gratitude, and joy.
Original Art by Amanda Kelly | Homer, Alaska 