This weekend I’m participating in Alberta Culture Days. Saturday I get to do a free foam printing workshop sponsored by the multicultural association. It should be a lot of fun and it’s geared towards all skill levels so if you are in the area stop in and say hi and take in all the fun events!
So I know as per the usual things have been quiet on here. I spent the summer quietly recharging with family and preparing to send my two littles off to school. Juggling family life with art career isn’t always the easiest but I love it and wouldn’t have it any other way. My girls have grown up having access to my studio allowing them to create and explore art by my side and it’s been wonderful. Now with a new school year starting and both of them learning all day it means this mamma has more time to create and what better way to kick off the season then with an Art exhibit.
I’m stepping outside of Fort Saskatchewan in September with my latest art exhibit at TwiLite Frames Gifts & Gallery at 5008 – 50 Street in Stony Plain, AB
The opening reception for this exhibit will be THIS Thursday starting at 6pm and I’d love it if YOU came out. I’ll have my latest art, some food and it’s sure to be a fun and relaxing evening. We can just kick back and chat and get to know each other. Won’t you join me?
Behind the Brush
…it’s been awhile since I’ve said hello and introduced myself to all my new followers.
So here’s a little bit about me and my art.
I’m Amanda Milke, I live in Fort Saskatchewan just outside of Edmonton, Alberta Canada. I’m originally from #Moncton NB so I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing the best of Canada it’s oceans and it’s mountains and they both have my heart.
I’m a self taught artist and have been painting and creating since 1995 probably earlier. Originally I focused on acrylic abstract/impressionist portraits and then gradually started exploring different mediums while we were living and teaching English in Japan.
Gradually over time, my style evolved into mixed media. I kept my love for acrylic’s bright bold colors and paired them with acrylic mediums and found elements for texture. My creative inspiration comes from my faith. I am a follower of Jesus, I like to say a practicing Christian because everyday is a work in progress.
I love using my mixed media elements with my faith theme because it reminds me that we aren’t one dimensional beings. Each and everyone of us is multifaceted and can be seen from different angles. I love using broken and found objects and recreating them into art because it reminds me of redemption. No matter how broken or lost we are we can be transformed into a work of art. And lastly I use bright colors and reflective rhinestones in my work to symbolize the joy, light and hope we have. Too often art focuses on the dark and hopelessness of life and I just want to spread some love, light and hope around with my paintbrush 🖌❤
Well the weekend for the Night of Artists has come and gone for another year and it was a lovely experience.
Not only did I get a chance to sell and discuss art outside of the Fort, but I got to meet and chat with fellow creatives and start a few friendships.
Here are a few pictures of the weekend! If anything catches your eye shoot me a message to purchase. I offer free delivery of large pieces in the Edmonton and surrounding area.
Amanda Milke 