The Long Hello: Art, Adventure, and Mystical Springs!
Howdy, friends!
It’s been a while since my last post, and I have so much to share! This summer kicked off with a colorful week in Provincetown, where James and I reconnected with our Baltimore community. We spent evening after evening immersed in the art of drag, watching incredible performances by Tina Burner, Miss Conception, and the one and only Dina Martina. We both deeply appreciate the creativity, fierceness, and humor that drag embodies—it’s truly an art form that never ceases to inspire us.
After Provincetown, we headed to Baltimore and caught our very first Orioles game with the Winstead gang. The energy was electric, and to top it off, the Orioles clinched a victory in the very last moment. It’s safe to say I’ve officially become an Orioles fan! ⚾️
A Magical Break in High Springs 🌿✨
In between our travels, we took a brief respite in High Springs, Florida—a gem known for its crystal-clear water springs. Five days of swimming, exploring, and simply being in awe. I’m completely obsessed! Now I’m working on a new series of drawings and paintings inspired by these natural springs and their dreamlike beauty. I can’t wait to share more as the work unfolds!
A Birthday Adventure in NYC 🎨
Next up was New York City, where James surprised me with tickets to see New Order in Brooklyn for our birthdays. We stayed at a charming little boutique hotel called The Penny and spent our days catching up with dear friends and indulging in some serious art immersion. The sunset view from the top of the Empire State Building was breathtaking. James took the most spectacular photographs which he will be debuting at the Amanda James Gallery this coming season.
An Emotional Encounter at The Met 🖼️
One of the most moving experiences happened at The Met. As we breezed through the European Painting galleries, I was unexpectedly stopped in my tracks by a monumental Monet painting. I’ve always admired Monet, but I never had a profound emotional connection to his work—until that moment. The colors, texture, and scale felt so contemporary and bold. It was as if the painting itself had come alive, speaking directly to me. I was overcome with emotion, transported back to my childhood when I first fell in love with the world of art.
We wrapped up our trip at the Guggenheim, where I was deeply impressed by the Jenny Holzer show. I was equally moved by works from Mark Bradford, Shinique Smith (a Baltimore native and fellow BSA alum), and Rashid Johnson—one of my favorite living painters. It was a powerful reminder of why I create: to explore, to challenge, and to celebrate the fearless pursuit of artistic expression.
Now it’s time to get the Amanda James Gallery and boutique ready for the new season! James and I have been dividing our time between travel and our studios, working on fresh collections and new pieces.
We’ll be here in Florida through Mother’s Day and are looking forward to reconnecting with our Florida friends and hearing about everyone’s adventures.
Amanda James Gallery
&
Amanda Johnson Studio
www.AmandaJamesGallery.com
www.AmandaJohnsonStudio.com
400 Gulfstream Blvd, Delray Beach, FL 33444.
We’re open Tuesday through Saturday, 10am-4:30pm
Phone number (561) 270-7832.
Love, Amanda