Artist's Statement
Amid the social upheaval in today’s world, I've sought refuge by going inward, working to understand, excavate and recover from stress of what we carry each day. At the moment, I'm very interested in positive mindset, healing meditative practices, and nature. Finding inspiration in the rhythms, subtle signs and symbols that emerge from the subconscious, I've begun to use visible structures from life forms that make up the the natural plant life surrounding many of us.
Moving away from my previous surreal figurative (meaning human figure) sculpture, my new work is a turn back to classic Surrealism, where an intuitive form of expression known as "Biomorphism" emerged. This is where artwork's elements are formed with naturally occurring patterns, biological forms, and petal/leaf-like shapes. This fluid way of creating art from emotion and its resulting curvilinear aesthetic folds into all parts of the arts from painting to sculpture and interior design. Even into music and dance!
The term "biomorphic" was used to describe earlier styles in art history, such as Rococo's decorative motif referencing shells and leaves or Art Nouveau's arabesque forms with a serpentine flow. There are similarities in Islamic and South Asian art with the use of floral motifs, evoking plant forms. It's also applied to organic-like forms used in many other art movements.
The intent behind my work is to change the atmosphere of the rooms my pieces are in, for the better. I'm creating an emotional touchstone, reminding people to stop, take a breath, appreciate and find comfort in the seemingly little things we often take for granted each day.
Through my floral pieces, I examine the sheer power, strength and amazing resiliency these seemingly delicate florals possess. Celebrating the many facets within women, I'm giving their best attributes a place to shine. For even when wilted and weathered after a storm, florals are still beautiful, intact, relevant and fascinating to look at. As are we!
About Amanda
Amanda Wood (USA, b.1972), with her hand built botanical sculpture, beckons the viewer into a comforting, meditative vibrational space with surreal, unfolding, botanically inspired forms. These botanical forms, once secondary elements added to her figurative sculpture, are now the primary subject matter of her latest work. They invite you into a world of fantasy, power, love and light.
Born in New Jersey, USA, at 9 months old, she began traveling the world over with her family, living in countries like Iran, Trinidad, Dubai, Singapore and Saudi Arabia. Experiencing these different cultures from such a young age, sparked a deep appreciation for basic communication and the design elements various cultures choose to surround themselves with.
Earning a BFA from the University of North Texas, she worked as a Graphic Designer for many years. Over time, after a brief stent as an extreme cake decorator/artist, she's shifted into the full time clay sculptor she is today, working from home in Houston, Texas. Amanda’s work is currently available at Davis Gallery in Austin, Texas and other areas. Message her for details and availability.
