This body of work explores themes of mortality, the societal pressure to be self-reliant, the amorphous definitions of family and sexuality, and the existential problem of what it means to be alone. In the face of these complex issues, Amanda grounds herself by making repetitive, meditative motions through sculptural elements, printmaking, and stitching on her mixed media works and by connecting to the natural world. In nature I find solace in the process of growth, decay and rebirth and continually faces the question: What did we do in our unique and precious existence in this world?

Being very influenced by the natural world, I’ve become particularly fascinated with the life cycle of the Agave Americana, commonly known as the Century Plant. This plant grows for decades, blooms once, then dies shortly afterward. By harvesting and preserving the remains of this plant to create her work, I created a visual afterlife to pose the question: what will become of us once the last person who says our name dies?