Meet Amanda Banks | Artist & Model

We had the good fortune of connecting with Amanda Banks and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amanda, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I was born in Elgin, IL but grew up in the woods of North West Georgia with my mom, dad, two brothers, my sister, and lots of dogs. My family moved to the South for a few different reasons. The biggest ones being religion (access to Seventh-Day Adventist schools for my siblings and me) and my parents’ desire to raise us outside the city.

Growing up immersed in nature and guided by the teachings of the SDA church has influenced my life immeasurably. While I am no longer affiliated with the SDA church or religion in general, I do appreciate having that sort of exposure to religion as a way of life. I love religious imagery from all over the world and have used that as a jumping point for deeper exploration into myself. I couldn’t imagine my life without a connection to the natural world either.

For me, the best place to be is outside in the sun surrounded by plants and all of the sounds they encourage. Nature is the place where I am fully myself, the thing that most inspires me and compels me to create.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a fiber artist focusing on hand embroidery and sewn objects, as well as a working figure model of 4 years. Gotta say, the easiest part of being an artist is receiving inspiration…but figuring out what to do with it is a journey. One that I hope ends only when my life does.

At the moment, I am most excited about the work I have been creating recently. About realizing that I can bring the thoughts and impressions in my mind to life…turn them into something tangible. Throughout my practice I have been forced to confront my lack of time-management skills and the fact that I really live inside my own head most of the time. But hey, that is what allowed me to create AMANDAWORLD! It’s a work in progress.

In general, living life as an artist in a capitalist society is a challenge in itself. When I figure out how to overcome that one I’ll let y’all know!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Choosing only a few spots is a hard task, but these ones will get you started:

Coffee:
-BRASH (best mocha in town)
-Con Leche
-East Pole
-Chrome Yellow

Food:
-Mu Shi Ni
-Gato
-Five Daughters Bakery
-SOBA
-Faux Real Burger Grill
-Grass VBQ

Art /Community/ Classes:
-Emef Studio Gallery & Store
-MINT Gallery
-TILA Studios Gallery
-Cateye Creative
-Zucot Gallery
-MASS Collective
-Hammonds House Museum

Nature:
-Truly Living Well Urban Farm
-East & West Palisades Trail
-Lullwater Preserve
-Westside Reservoir Park
-Crestlawn Memorial Cemetary (for the best skyline views)

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My Parents!

There is no way I could be where or who I am today without their constant love and support. They have allowed me to be who I am and supported my pursuits regardless of whether or not they fully understood it. I am beyond grateful to have the parents I have.

Instagram: @amandaworld.love

Image Credits
Elijah Randall