Silver Linings
We are all doing our very best to stay sane and busy during this time. I’m trying to keep things fresh and one way I’m doing that is by reading more. I have found that my attention span for reading is slim so I’ve been going through lots of short magazine articles and I have discovered the joy of audio books! Currently I am listening to Ninth Street Women: Lee Krasner, Elaine de Kooning, Grace Hartigan, Joan Mitchell, and Helen Frankenthaler: Five Painters and the Movement That Changed Modern Art by Mary Gabriel, an inspiring and amazing audio book that I can’t recommend enough! I love the book because it’s about determination and a commitment to your calling. These remarkable women came out of and reacted to the Great Depression and World War II. It reminds me that we persevere through hard times. As an artist I feel the need for extreme beauty, finesse in craftsmanship, and capturing the essence of fantasy that give us necessary reprieves from the stresses that overwhelm us. It’s a way to hold onto the light that will give us the strength to press forward.
I have been doing a lot of hand sewing and intimate tapestry painting in my studio at home. Working at home brings to mind the history of women quilting as well as a connection to my mother who is the world’s most magnificent hand sewer. It’s about connection to those who created and appreciated detail oriented hand work as a way to ease the mind and quiet the thoughts.
To deal with stress, I have found it useful to have a bit of a routine. Walking in the morning, making healthy food and snacks, doing my online computer and website work, stretching and a bit of swimming. We have considered ourselves lucky that our little pool has remained open. Zoom calls with family and friends have been awesome and it’s something I hope continues on the other end of this craziness.
The gallery has been closed but thanks to our supporters we have been doing private showings, consultations, and James has been doing a nice bit of custom framing. We have applied to everything we hear about from the SBA and local help. We know it’s important to stay positive and we’re taking things one day at a time. This has been difficult for so many hard working people and families. When it starts to feel overwhelming we stay grateful and as focused as we can be! I hope you all have found some silver linings to this mess that keeps you going.
I miss all of your faces and would love to hear from you all!
We are continuing to add to our online pop-up "Art For Sale". We just updated it with our latest work, masks made from our custom textiles (will be added this week) so make sure to check it out: https://www.amandajamesgallery.com/art-for-sale
As a special treat for locals, we’re also doing "Curbside Gifts For Mom". We will have a tent and table outside with wonderful Mother’s Day goodies. All you have to do is pull in, put it in park and we (masked and gloved) will attend to all of your shopping needs, gift wrapping included!
https://www.facebook.com/events/263766548105539/
We have art, gift cards, and tons of beautiful wearable art online and so please feel free to text, email or call us with inquiries and questions.
Phone: (443) 823-5057
Email: AmandaJohnsonStudio@gmail.com
Another thing I’d like to share with you are recorded walkthroughs of the studio and gallery spaces. Check them out below!
Studio Tour: facebook.com/178854815482785/posts/3169715886396648/?d=n
Gallery Tour: facebook.com/706341982808145/posts/2795200717255584/?vh=e&d=n
Here’s to the silver linings when the clouds are extra stormy.
- Amanda J.