Interview with Artist Amanda Davidson
So, tell us a little about yourself and your creations:
I am a mother of 3 girls, a wife, a surfer and an artist! We live on the sunshine coast, qld Australia where we have some really great longboard point breaks - so when I'm not painting or looking after my people this is where you will find me.
My paintings truly reflect my love of the ocean and the beauty I find in women surfing. I make sure all the surfers I paint are people that I would want my daughters to look up too and reflect a positive image for all women of all ages. All the surfers have names and little stories to go with. This to help the viewer realize that even though the surfer is captured in that perfect moment - they like you and me, are people and we all have a story.
What inspires the art that you create?
When I started painting I really just painted what I personally liked. Being a female longboarder, with 3 daughters (only 1 one when I first started) and growing up surrounded by strong women role models - my subject matter was very natural to me!
As my art has progressed I get still get inspiration from the same areas!! Just going surfing at my local break & having fun in the water with family & friends and watching professional women surfers - particularly longboarders.
What is the biggest challenge you face as an artist/entrepreneur?
Selling my work!! I could very easily just paint and surf all day. So for me - working out what are the best avenues to invest time and money into to sell my work is still a never ending battle.
What have you learned that you would love to share with others starting their artistic journey?
Create things that you personally like - this will be reflected through your work!
Art like anything is a learnt process and practice makes perfect (well better than the time before). So just keep on creating and always keep in mind that sometimes things work and sometimes things don't. That's part of the learning process!!
How long have you been surfing and what does surfing mean to you?
My parents are sailors and windsurfers. So my sister & I grew up on the water, but it wasn't until I was 14 that surfing became a significant part of my life. And really as I got older, it became an important part of how I defined myself!
What does it mean to me? It is a way of life!!!
What’s your favorite quote?
We don't make mistakes - just happy little accidents.
Website: www.amandadavidson.com.au
Instagram: amandadavidson_art
