A Long Winter Into a Fresh Spring
Hello there!
I hope you and your loved ones are doing well and that life is at least somewhat manageable! James and I are so happy to be able to report some good news. We have seen a surge of (masked & vaccinated) people coming through the Amanda James Gallery doors! We’re filled with joy to see some of our regular clients as well as some new faces. It’s starting to look like the light at the end of this trying tunnel.
New Fashion
I have added a few new prints and dress silhouettes to my line and it’s really rewarding to see them on actual human beings as opposed to my mannequins. I have a new collection of fun eyewear and love seeing them out and about!
https://www.amandajohnsonstudio.com/sun-glasses
Funds Raised for Wayside House from the Spring Boutique Show
Thank you to everyone who shopped the virtual Wayside Spring Boutique! We raised a decent amount of money and were thrilled to make a nice donation to the Wayside House.
What’s Going On
Running the gallery has been crazy. James and I have to wear so many hats and it’s worth it when we have found that people are so grateful to be out after being home for a year. Just a reminder to be kind to all your small businesses and shop local. Most of them have been working overtime to keep their businesses open and stocked.
We spent last summer doing our expansion and every day I find something new to love about it. This summer we are looking forward to making art as we long for uninterrupted time in the studio.
Things to Come
My latest fun project is adult Easter Baskets. More news on these soon!
We also have a new collection of artful living pieces from the both of us now in our 'New Space' at the Amanda James Gallery. We have big plans for the new space but have decided to keep them under wraps until the fall. We think it is still too early to have any openings. We do invite you all to come to see what we have been up to in your own time.
Free Time Recommendations
In our free time, we are obsessed with Wanda Vision and now are on a Marvel Marathon.
I also highly recommend Black Art: In The Absence Of Light on HBO, The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency on the BBC, and Fun Home by Alison Bechdel which I’m slowly reading through.
For relaxation, two thoughtful insights and meditations have helped me lately which you can check out using the links below:
Sattva Himalayan Wisdom - Be Wise
Root Chakra Sound Bath Meditation
Real Talk
It was brought to my attention fairly recently on Facebook that I am not liked by some of my fellows in the local art community. I believe the term "your haters" was used. I must say I was a little taken aback at this public Facebook post from someone I thought to be a friend. It hurt my feelings. I know some of us have seen or been a part of bad social media behavior. I took a day or two to ponder the statement.
My conclusion:
What we see in other people is really a reflection of something we hold in ourselves. "You spot it you got it” comes to mind and while I am generally open to criticism I realize that most people in the local art community have no idea who I really am and that is really ok for me. I keep my head up and I am grateful for the people in my life that love and support me unconditionally.
I can’t believe how homesick I am and how much I miss my Baltimore friends and family. Hopefully, we can all gather soon. I continue to look for the light and hope you all have found yours in this fascinating time of awareness and reawakening.
All my love.
- Amanda J.