My name is Amanda Packard (but folks call me Mandy) and I've been creating art since I was old enough to hold a crayon (Or so I'm told). My preferred materials to work with are (of course) wood and leather (for my pyrography designs), but I also have a great love for watercolors and inks. My favorite thing about being an artist has always been to witness when my work brings happiness into the world in some way . . . like, it really fills my heart and fuels my passion to create as much as I can!
I love creating works of creating fantasy, meshing animals with magical concepts. I am also a fan of themes with a spookier tone to them. Sometimes I just may use my craft for self expression, drawing from my emotions or musings, whatever that may be in the moment. I'm also careful to remain open minded to my surroundings and the people I meet, because I am a student at heart, a forever "leaner" of new and exciting things. I'm a hunter of inspiration, always seeking to find something unusual or even to see the beauty within things that are commonly unnoticed.
My creative process usually begins with an idea that has reoccured in my thoughts, usually some sort of inspiration I've caught that won't leave me alone. I'm also a sketcher, I sketch anywhere and everywhere I go, and tend to piece everything together. Some of my earliest memories include sitting at my mother's side as she created pastel portraits. I remember being completely amazed by every stroke she made, and I knew at a very young age that I would always love art. So, I tried to emulate her, every day, in any way that I could.
I'm not sure if I have conveyed my message in an obvious way, however, at the heart of each created piece, there is a sincere desire to promote creative thinking and encourage creativity as a tool to solve problems and connect with others on a universal level. I feel there are many real world problems (that are exclusive to today), that are going to require serious, creative ingenuity to offer solutions. Not that I reject the thoughts of the old school, but I have always been an idealist who believes that regardless of how hopeless a problem is, there is always more than one way to tackle a solution, and that to me, signifies hope.
Meet Brittany Smith from The Little Lark Co. . . .
I am a part-time crafter and work full-time as an environmental inspector. I am fortunate to be able to work outdoors during the week and spend my weekends creating bath products and designing jewelry. I also love to knit, read, camp and travel. This winter, my husband and I will be traveling to Iceland, and we're very much looking forward to seeing the Northern lights!
When I'm designing my jewelry, it involves a lot of playing around with different patterns, beads, and colors. In my free time, I'll sketch ideas of what I would like to piece to look like. With my bath products, I thin about what kind of products I would like to use myself or how to make my current products better. I'll whip up some test batches for myself, friends, and family to try and use their feedback to help myself improve.
I'm a practical person, and I love the idea of products that are fashionable as well as being functional. I appreciate that the jewelry I am making serves a purpose and can help alleviate pain for those who wear it.
Meet Alexandra Rae from Alex Rae Illustrations. . .
I am 26 and have lived in Cincinnati my whole life. I went to college at Northern Kentucky University and graduated with a Psychology degree in 2016. A couple years ago, I realized that my real passion is art, and that I needed to set my anxieties aside and pursue a career in what I truly love. Around that same time, I started an Instagram account to track my drawing and art progress. Scrolling through my works over the past two years, and seeing how much progress I have made keeps me motivated and determined to pursue my dream.
Ever since I was a young girl, I have been deeply inspired by my Dad's artwork. Now, as an adult, his work hangs on the walls of my apartment as a reminder to stay true to my unique artistic vision. I also watch a lot of science fiction movies, and listen to electronic music throughout most of my day, so those aspects of my life often bleed into whatever I am creating.
Music is a huge part of my creative process. After I find the right music for that creative moment, I then sit at my little desk and browse the internet for a base idea. Once an idea is solidified in my head, I start sketching. Sketching is sometimes is the most time-consuming part of the process, but once I am satisfied that the idea is conveyed the way I want, I begin to ink. Inking is my favorite because the lines and shapes come to life. I never decide if a piece will be colored until I have inked the entire sketch. If I want to color it, I use markers and later them on until I feel it is complete! I typically post a finished art piece on Instagram, or frame it and hang it in my apartment!
When I create my work, I am transported to alternate realities, parallel universes, planets beyond our reach. You can stay on our Earthly home, or you can come travel with me, it's up to you.
Meet Jason and Brit Fisher from BlueHorse Bazaar. . .
I am a retired Air Force B-52 Navigator. Near the end of my Air Force career, I traveled to the Middle East and discovered the artistry of mosaic tables handcrafted in Madaba City, Jordan (near Amman) using centuries old techniques. The most famous mosaic in the area covers the floor of St. George Church - the oldest Christian Church in the Middle East. After a hiatus of travel, I returned to Jordan in 2016. While there, I met Mr. Bilal Hdithat, who is a mosaic artisan. I asked if he could teach me the art with the though in mind of opening a business of selling my furnished projects.
While traveling to Jordan, I became enamored with not only the mosaics but the culture as well. I see this as an opportunity to market heirloom quality crafts and educate folks on the Jordanian culture. My ideas for mosaics are inspired by the ideas of my customers. I'm energized by providing them with functional art that will last centuries.
Mosaic creations require both creativity and patience. I discovered that I truly enjoy making the mosaics after creating the first one - a traditional tree of life.
The message behind my work is: open minds lead to open ideas and endless opportunities.
Meet Samantha Frisbee from Inspirational Art...
Meet Samantha Frisbee from Inspirational Art...
My name is Samantha and I am 11 years. I go to a Montessori school and will be entering the 5th grade in the Fall. I like puppies, drawing, and creating 3-D art. I have been making art s
ince I was about 3 years old and this will be my first Avant-Garde show!
My family and my pets. are my inspiration to create my art.
It has always just been something inside of me that I have to express.I just feel the it and it comes out in my artwork. I would love to p
ossibly have an Etsy shop in the next 5 years. The message behind my work is simple,
I just want people to experience good stuff.
2018 Cincinnati Summer Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show
Sunday, June 24, 2018
10:00am-5:00pm
Oasis Golf Club & Conference Center
902 Loveland-Miamiville Rd.
Loveland, OH 45140
For more information, contact Becki Silverstein, Event Coordinator at Becki@ag-shows.com
Visit us on:
