My art practice is centered on connection and community. I create bold paintings around themes of belonging, self-expression, curiosity, and whimsy.

I moved here in 2008 to finish up college at Drury, and ultimately made a home for myself in Springfield over the years. 

As a kid, my family moved a bunch, so my little sister and I found writing, music, theatre, and art a great way to bond and make sense of the weird, wild world.

At 27 I became obsessed with rock climbing, lived out of my car for awhile, then decided to focus on building up my freelance writing business.

I did that, realized more money didn’t necessarily make me happier, then got a job at the rock climbing gym and rediscovered my passion for climbing – especially outside on Arkansas sandstone.

Now, I’m making art to celebrate the people, places, and communities I love, often with large-scale, vibrant pieces. I use art to heal from the rigor of being alive, and I do it for the process, not the end result.

-Amanda Layman