Amanda Anderson is a self-taught emerging artist based in Toronto whose creative journey has been marked by exploration and evolution. From sculpting and mixed media to more fluid artistic forms, she has experimented widely to discover her distinctive voice. As Amanda’s confidence has grown, so too has the boldness and intuition in her work. Guided by instinct and deeply inspired by emotion, movement, nature, and everyday moments, her art reflects a dynamic interplay between inner growth and external influence. We interviewed Amanda to learn more about her practice, inspirations, and what she is working on today.
1. How does your creative day look like, and what inspires you to make art?
My art is very intuitive and deeply connected to how I’m feeling in the moment. I don’t follow a rigid schedule, I paint when the urge strikes. I really try to honour that impulse and allow myself to flow with it. My studio space is always ready for me, so when the inspiration hits, I can dive right in. I’ll throw on clothes I don’t mind getting messy, put on some music, and ease into the process. Sometimes that means ripping or laying down fabric, stretching a canvas, or continuing work on a piece I’ve already started. If I’m starting something new, it’s very freeform, I don’t think about composition or structure in those first few layers. It’s purely emotional, and I tend to fall into a flow state that can last for hours. After that initial burst of expression, I’ll step back, see what’s emerged, and then start to build on it more intentionally. That’s when the more refined, precise part of the process begins. I draw inspiration from the world around me. It could be something unexpected I see on the street, the way the moon is glowing, the colours of the sky at a particular moment, or even something I’m personally navigating (mostly this). Life itself is the muse.
2. Tell us more about your art studio! If someone walked into your space, what would they learn about you?
I’d love to say it’s neat and perfectly organized, but the truth is, it’s usually anything but. Because my process is so intuitive and unplanned, the space naturally becomes a bit chaotic. When I’m in a flow state, I’m grabbing materials as I go, experimenting in the moment, and fully immersed in creating. It’s messy in the most beautiful alive way.
3. Do you prefer a minimalist or maximalist set-up and why?
I’d say I fall somewhere in the middle. My space isn’t overly curated or minimal, but it’s also not intentionally maximalist. It’s more about function and flow. I like having everything within reach so I can stay in the moment and not break the creative energy. It might look a bit chaotic to someone else, but it works for me.
4. How did you get interested in your medium?
It really came through experimentation. I didn’t set out with a specific medium in mind. I just kept trying different things until I found what allowed me to express myself most freely. Over time, I discovered that these particular media gave me the best way to translate what I was feeling or imagining into something visual.
5. Describe your style in one sentence.
Instinct-led exploration through abstract form.
6. Has your style changed over time?
For sure, it’s evolved so much, just like I have over the past few years. I’m completely self-taught, and that’s allowed me the freedom to constantly experiment and explore. I started by giving new life to old canvases, pieces that had been discarded at secondhand shops, honestly pretty awful and probably destined for the bin. But I saw potential in them, and that’s where it all began. From there, it’s been a journey through different mediums and styles from sculpting and mixed media to more fluid forms of art. I even began making my own frames and stretching my own canvases, which added another layer of connection to the work. As I’ve grown more confident in myself, my art has become bolder and more intuitive. I trust my instincts more now, and that’s really shaped how I create.
7. What are your main artistic tools?
To be honest, my hands are my number one tool as they’re how I connect most directly with the work. After that, it’s water and whatever random household objects happen to be around me. I love using unexpected things, anything that helps create texture or movement in the moment.
8. Do you experience creativity blocks, and how do you stay positive and inspired? What elements in our studio inspire creativity?
I do, and they’re usually short-lived. I’ve learned to give myself the space to sit with them rather than force anything. Interestingly, some of my favorite pieces have come right after those moments of stillness. It’s like the pause gives way to a deeper release and something more meaningful emerges (to me anyway). In my studio, I’m inspired by the openness and energy of the space.
9. What artists - either contemporary or from history - have had an impact on you and your art practice?
Honestly, my biggest influences haven’t been other artists in the traditional sense. I’m more impacted by emotion, movement, nature, and everyday moments. That said, I deeply admire artists who create from a place of intuition and raw expression. I'm drawn to work that feels unfiltered and emotionally charged.
10. What project are you working on right now? What would you like to do next?
Right now, I’m working on a series that explores themes of transformation, healing, pushing personal boundaries, and finding peace and stillness within. It’s been a really meaningful process both creatively and personally. As far as what's next, I’m also really happy the warmer weather has arrived. There’s something so energizing about being outdoors, and I’m looking forward to painting outside again and letting that shift in environment influence the work.
