Interview with Artist, Amanda Padilla

Amanda Padilla is a self-taught artist living in the San Francisco Bay Area. Her artwork is inspired by her background in human rights and deep compassion for people. Amanda's artwork is heavily based on concepts of humanity as she holds an M.A. in International Politics in which she studied the "origins and consequences of human rights abuses in developing countries." Amanda Padilla is the owner of Pigment, a blog that features San Francisco artists, exhibits, poetry, photography and artist resources.

 

Dig In Magazine: How did you get into art and painting?

Amanda Padilla: I became interested in artistic expression when I was a kid, influenced and encouraged by my parents. They both express themselves creatively and are passionate about art and music, so it was kind of a no-brainer. However, I became seriously involved in the arts in high school. Most kids were cutting class to go hang out off campus [while] I was cutting my Econ class to go paint in Mrs. Pearson's art class on the other side of campus.

DIM: I noticed that you paint on a lot of different surfaces, from canvas to cardboard to wood, can you tell me a little about the versatility of your art in terms of the surfaces you choose to paint on? How do you choose the type of surface to paint on when you begin a project?

AP: It is important to me to remain authentic in my art, as well in other aspects of my life for that matter. Untraditional materials such as cardboard and wood provide a sense of authenticity that cannot be matched with manufactured canvas. Untraditional materials have unpredictable nooks, crannies, and striations that I really appreciate. There is really no rhyme or reason to how I choose the material. If I see a big piece of cardboard in an ally way that I like, I will take it (as long as there isn't a homeless guy sleeping on it, it's fair game).

DIM: It seems that the image of an open eye or an eye with tears falling reoccurs in your artwork, what does the eye symbolize for you?

AP: The crying eye is a visual reminder of the suffering that humans endure and the challenges that are faced to heal and progress. It is safe to say that my background in human rights and compassion for people are the inspiring foundations for my artwork.

DIM: What are some of the other themes in your paintings?

AP: Other themes include tree roots, loose lines, thick texture and of course, feminist POWA!

DIM: How do you come up with the ideas for your artwork?

AP: This seems to be the $64,000 question for most artists. Personally, I usually have a rough idea of what I want to paint and then it turns into a rendition of my original idea. The real question stumper is: "what were you thinking when you painted that?" To which I reply, "I wasn't thinking." For me, it is only after I complete a painting that I start to connect the dots of the painting's meaning.

DIM: What inspires you to paint?

AP: Humanity, love, sadness, family, friends, nature, culture, the New Yorker...Everything! At this time in my life, it is not hard to find inspiration when the inspiration is present within myself.

DIM: Who are your artistic influences?

AP: My girl Frida, my mom, Alanis (that's right, I said it), nearly all the artists that I feature on Pigment, Robert Harris, Carlitos, Picasso...

DIM: How would you describe your artistic style?

AP: Abstract with recognizable images. Loose lines, shading up the ying, colorful, detailed, sometimes sad, always with love.

DIM: I understand that you are one of the featured artists in the RAW art show at the Oakland Art Murmur, what artwork will you be displaying there?

AP: Kinda true. I am one of the participating artists, but not featured. The featured artist is Apex One who does mind-blowing graffiti art and I am stoked to be in the same show as him. My pieces range from super abstract to intensely detailed. I am excited to show two pieces in particular "Needle in a Hay Stack" and "The Re-Mix" as the images and lines were all drawn in extreme detail with black marker. I swear I had a mild case of carpel tunnel after I finished them.

DIM: What types of artwork have you been commissioned to paint?

AP: All of my commissions have been for private individuals or families i.e. no public works yet. There are some people that want something in particular and I spice it up to reflect my own style. The challenge of commissions is making sure the client is in love with their painting while not compromising your own style. So far, so good.

DIM: What are you working on now?

AP: Currently, I am working on a sexy piece for Celeste, a follower on my blog that won a free art piece through a raffle I hosted. Every six months or so I have a raffle where followers can win free art. I really enjoy being able to provide followers with art because they are so supportive of Pigment.

DIM: Can you tell me a little about your art blog, "Pigment"?

AP: Pigment was started to provide a creative outlet for artist resources and interests. I feature artwork, photography and poetry that inspire me and are artistically sound. I also feature artist resources such as art openings, open calls, museum information, products that I like working with, events, etc. Most of the art resources on Pigment are Bay Area driven, although the artists featured are international. Again, there is no organization to my madness (as that defeats the very notion of madness itself). I select artists that I hear of through word of mouth, see on other websites, people I know in "real life", child artists, adult artists, artists of all cultures, genders...you get the picture.

DIM: How did the website come about?

AP: Ah. The idea of creating a blog was 100% inspired by my very talented and dear friend of 12 years, Logan Triglia from www.ohhellologan.com. We are both computer/Internet enthusiasts (read: dweebs) that love everything technology. It seemed only fitting that I follow her lead in creating a virtual space where strangers could unite for a common interest. Fashion and pop culture is the thread in Lo's fabric and art is mine.

DIM: What art organizations are you linked with?

AP: The only formal organization that I am linked with is the San Francisco Women Artist Gallery. Otherwise, I am closely connected with other bay area artists and the art scene in general.

DIM: What do you like to do outside of art?

AP: I work for a human rights organization and am absolutely in love with my line of work. Truthfully, every ounce of my being is equally in love with contributing to humanity as it is with creating art, although these interests are not mutually exclusive. I come from a family of compassionate people that work for the betterment of others. I earned my MA in International Politics with an emphasis in human rights to have the opportunities that I currently have. You see, these factors greatly contribute to my want/need to make my life a catalyst for improving someone else's.

Other than that, I enjoy traveling, hiking, live music, hanging with my family, friends, and boyfriend, reading, sporty activities and food...mmmmmmm...

DIM: What can we expect from Amanda Padilla, artist, in the future?

AP: Muahahahahaha (insert evil laugh here). I am going to keep doing what I do and see what happens. That method hasn't let me down thus far.