Artist Spotlight: Amanda Griffey

Hello again! Welcome back to the blog. Today I am excited to continue my artist spotlight series by shining a light on artist Amanda Griffey. Amanda did the cover for my latest book, Little Orphant Allie, which released in October!

Amanda comes from a long line of farmers, and her art reflects her passion for farm life. She lives in eastern Indiana, not far from where the book is set. In fact, while working on the book’s cover, she discovered that she and Allie, the main character, came from the same town! “Amanda currently works and resides with her husband Thomas and their sons Joseph and Joshua, on their family’s diversified farming operation, just minutes from where she grew up.”

It was such a joy to work with Amanda, and I am thrilled to share our interview.

Tell us a little about yourself and how you most like to use your art in your life.

I was raised on a farm and currently farm with my husband's family, and I love to capture the beauty and heritage of farming.

What has been your biggest inspiration for your art?

Farm life and my deep love for horses.

What is inspiring you most at this point in time?

The glimpses of resiliency that are all around me; like a weathered barn that is still standing despite years of neglect, or a rusty old hinge that is still doing its job.

How do you keep your creative practice fresh?

While I have dabbled with other mediums, I really love colored pencil. So, I like to try new surfaces and methods, as well as push the limits of what subject matter and textures are possible to achieve with colored pencil.

What words of wisdom would you give young creatives?

The journey of a creative can be challenging and lonely. Find a mentor who is where you want to be to help you along on your journey.

Connect with Amanda:

https://amandagriffeyfineart.com/

https://www.facebook.com/AmandaGriffeyEquineArtistry

https://www.instagram.com/amandagriffeyfineart/