 Amanda Matthews Fields
Artist Statement
The natural world is my source of inspiration as a professional sculptor and herbalist. In this dual capacity, I both create and heal. I have adopted the motto: "Trees can dance. Humans have roots in the soil." Although fanciful, it signifies that my motivation is born from our species' innate connection with Nature. Or as Thoreau put it, "It is the marriage of the soul with Nature that makes the intellect fruitful, and gives birth to imagination.
I ascribe to a common Native American belief that everything is alive and connected--and embodies a spirit. For the ancient Greeks, the spirit of a tree was represented in female human form, which they called a dryad. A dryad is a type of nymph, or sylvan creature, bound to or protecting a place, similar to the Latin phrase genius loci. For me, it is the dryad, a tutelary goddess and totem, which represents one of the highest embodiments of our oneness with nature.
Solo Exhibitions:
2007 Dryad: Spirit of Trees, Spalding University, Louisville, KY
2007 Water is Life, 210' Ephemeral Environmental Installation, Louisville Zoo/Botanical Gardens, AAM Museum
2006 Art Eco, Wild Honeysuckle Gallery, Louisville, KY
2005 Pathways, Wild Honeysuckle Gallery, Louisville, KY
2005 Imagine...a World without Hunger, Wild Honeysuckle Gallery, Louis., KY
2004 New Works by Amanda Matthews Fields, Art Beat Gallery, Louisville, KY
2000 Aesthetics and Art, Shriner’s Temple, Louisville, KY
Selected Group Exhibitions:
2008 Sculpture in the Dell, Yew Dell Garden Conservancy, Crestwood, KY
2007 Recycled Matter(s), AFB Woodland Outdoor Sculpture Show, Lexington, KY
2006 citizensCREATE! Show, Bluegrass Green Living Expo 2006, Lex., KY
2006 Ausstellung der Kunstwerke am Rathaus, Mainz, Germany
2006 Kuenstlerarbeiten Public Exhibition at Gutenbergplatz, Mainz, Germany
2006 Heyburn Arts Exhibition, Louisville Arts Council, Louisville, KY
2006 Dinnerworks Exhibition (Installation), Water Tower Art Museum, Louis., KY
2005 Energy and Nature, Bluegrass Energy Expo 2005, Lex., KY Conv. Center
2004 An Evening of Art at the Water Tower, Louis. Visual Art Assoc.
2003 93rd Water Tower Annual, Water Tower Art Museum, Louisville, KY
2003 Dinnerworks Exhibition (Installation), Water Tower Art Museum, Louis., KY
2002 Artopia Gallery Group Exhibition, Louisville, KY
2002 2002-2003 Opera Season Group Exhibition, KY Center for the Arts
2002 Viva El Vino Preview Show, KY Opera, Louisville, KY
1989 Drawings from Paris, France, Allen R. Hite Institute, University of Louisville
Grants and Awards:
2007 Finalist,Woman Business Owner of the Year, NAWBO, Louisville, KY
2006 Grant, Sister Cities of Louisville Inc., member Sister Cities International, to participate in "2006 Kunst in der Stadt/Art in the City" in Mainz, Germany.
2004 Best Design to create Muhammad Ali Center, The Greatest is Yet to Come public sculpture.
2004 Awarded cover of Business First Annual Book of Lists, Imagine...a World without Hunger
2003 Juror's Merit Award, Carousel of Time, 93rd Annual Water Tower Annual
2002 Finalist, Signature Art Competition, Vineyard in the Valley, Kentucky OperaCorporate/Public Commissions:
2006 Jefferson Veterinary Mgmt Group, Inc., Architectural Installation June 2007
2004 KY Financial Group , Worth, an adaptation of 1912 KY Derby Winner
2004 Muhammad Ali Center, The Greatest is Yet to Come sculpture.
2003 Dare to Care Food Bank, December - March 2004 Artist-in-Residence.
2001 Sign of the Times Salon/Spa, Corporate Mural, 9’10” X 50’, Louisville, KY
Education:
1990 Bachelor of Arts, University of Louisville, Major Studio Art, Minor Philosophy.
1989 Art & Architecture Studies in Paris, France with University of Louisville
2007 Family Herbalist Certification, Clayton College
Professional Memberships:
International Sculpture Center
Mid South Sculpture Alliance
American Herbalists Guild
Work History:
I have worked full-time as a professional freelance artist since 2000. I am comfortable working with individuals, corporate clients, government institutions and municipalities at all levels.
From 1991-1999, I worked in the financial services industry in public speaking/marketing. In 1995, I became a Field Specialist with a Fortune 100 Company. I served as Divisional VP for a Fortune Global 500 Company in 1996-1997. And in 1998 and 1999, I served as the National Marketing Director and Registered Principal for KY with an independent NASD broker/dealer.
Selected Lectures/Teaching Positions:
2006 February, Keynote Speaker, Professional Art Marketing, Arts Council of Louisville funded with grant from KY Arts Council, Louisville, KY
2003 Through 2004, Faculty member for Louisville Visual Art Association
2000 October, Keynote Speaker, Aesthetics and Art, Shriner's Temple, Louisville, KY
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