AMANDA ZAPPLER - ARTE PARA LA VIDA
Tell us who you are and a bit about yourself.
I have thrived on being creative since an early age and pursued knowledge about techniques and tools for artist expression which have been gifts throughout my life. I am inspired by everyday existence and enjoy bringing beauty into the world.
In addition to being an artist, I am a health-care provider and work with people who have hearing impairment in a university clinic where patients are treated on a sliding scale. It is important to me to serve others in a meaningful way.
We know you create awesome handmade art, but what else do you like to do?
I enjoy spending time with my family and pets. I love to be outdoors and hikes along the greenbelt are a favorite pastime. I am an avid reader and will consume books and articles with topics ranging from historical fiction to very technical content.
Where does your inspiration come from?
I use art as a means of self-expression. I paint to better understand my reality, and to express my interpretation of the world around me. I also create art to open the unexplored world- a place for curious self-expression, but also a world of new relationships, new chances, new beginnings, and most importantly new stories.
You’re stranded on a desert island - If you could only have one book, movie, and album what would they be?
The book would be Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach. The movie would be Harold and Maude, and the album would be anything by Nina Simone.
If you could spend the day with one artist or craftsman (dead or alive) who would it be?
I would spend the day with David Alfaro Siqueiros.
What handmade possession do you most cherish?
My favorite aunt made me a doll from scratch as a child. The doll’s body is made from a heavy-duty fabric, has jointed arms and legs and the face is embroidered. The doll has several outfits, all of which are handmade.
What’s your favorite restaurant you’ve eaten at in the last year?
My favorite restaurant of all time and my favorite restaurant that I have eaten at in the past year are the same. Magnolia Café is my first choice for “regular” meals and celebratory meals :)
When did you first know you were an artist?
I have been creating art since I was three years old. I have always been an artist!
What are your favorite materials and/or tools?
How organized I am, most of the time anyways! I function better when everything is organized!I use gouache, pastel, graphite and ink as my primary mediums. I enjoy making art on paper, canvas, ceramic tile, fabric and clayboard. I am sure there are other surfaces out there that I would like, I just have not gotten to them yet!
What’s your favorite city and why?
My favorite city is Austin. I have lived here for 33 years and have witnessed the community grow from a small college town into major metropolis. While there are growing pains associated with the change, this city still contains my favorite people and places.
