Amanda Gardner - March 12, 2025

Hello Everyone,

Welcome and thank you for subscribing! I’m so pleased to be able to connect with you as we each navigate our creative process. Hopefully, we can uplift each other and share our inspirations along the way.

On that note, since I’m taking a slow step back from social media, I’m opening up comments on the Projects & Preoccupations page on my website. Feel free to connect with me there, drop me an email, or even catch up in person!

This month has been somewhat disrupted due to Cyclone Alfred. We had a few trees and branches down but certainly the damage is nothing compared to the experience of others throughout South East Queensland. I do hope you all came through the event unscathed and are travelling well despite the weather!

Also, scroll to the bottom so you don’t miss to the latest offering from ceramic artist and creative mentor, Amy Kennedy!

Chasing a sketchbook habit

I have been struggling a bit with stuckness, questioning what the heck I am doing, getting too serious and boxing myself up in expectation.

Writing helps and I have developed a strong writing habit which helps me think and find direction. So I was wondering how I could leverage my writing habit and apply what I have learned to mucking around in a sketchbook…

Time and space for creative focus…

My shed was designed as a multi-purpose space for family and friends. We lived in it while building our house, and now it’s where we entertain, where we relax and where the kids stay when they visit. It is my all time favourite place.

Having a dedicated making space has made a big difference to my practice. It has helped me focus when I’m here. The shift is a psychological one, however, since the way the shed is used hasn’t much changed. So instead, I am thinking about ways I can avoid distractions and reclaim essential alone time.

I really enjoyed reading this essay on the artist Agnes Martin and the subject of creative interruptions. What do you think?

Helen Evans - A Sense of Self

A must see exhibition of vibrant still life paintings by Helen Evens are currently on show at The Churn Room in Dayboro. A Sense of Self  is a new collection of autobiographical still-life paintings, exploring possessions as repositories of cherished memories—of people, places, spaces, and seasons. Helen is giving an artist talk this Sunday, 23rd March, and, a not to miss workshop on March 30. There is more information on the website and if you book in to the artist talk I will see you there!

Guthrie—It's Finally Happening!

After delays due to illness and the recent cyclone, Guthrie has started working on her mural on the Deception Bay Library exterior wall, commissioned through Moreton Bay Council’s Art at Large public art program.

This project is deeply personal, grounded in Guthrie’s walking practice around the Deception Bay foreshore, where her connection to the cultural and natural environment has shaped both her artistic and personal sense of place. Since moving to a semi-rural property near the bay, these landscapes and the cultural histories have informed Guthrie’s work, solidifying a deep engagement with the shifting terrain.

The mural reflects these ideas, drawing from the abstract landscapes of the Changing Terrain vessels to create a layered, immersive public artwork. After a long time designing, planning and preparing , this large mural should be finished in early April. 

Keep an eye on Guthrie’s insta for more information

The Contemplative Cut - Celebrating World Collage Day

World Collage Day (WCD) is an international celebration of collage held on the second Saturday of May every year. Initiated in 2018 by Kolaj Institute, artists and venues around the world are invited to hold collage events which bring together people and community in a spirit of cooperation, support and creativity.

This year I will be hosting two events that aim to share the joy of creative connection and learning through a contemplative process of slow looking and making.

Plans are under way and as soon as I can, I will shoot out some more detailed info. In the meantime, connect with The Churn Room on instagram as they roll out more info.

One last thing…

Amy Kennedy has an offering which might be of interest. I’ve booked into this one because I love Amy’s writing program and, well, it is free! Take a look at the Making Exceptional Work sign up page for more information. Maybe I’ll see you there!

amandaigardner.com | @_amandaivy_