Amanda Coen Art

When all is said and done, Barcelona was more than just a change of scenery; it was a turning point in my artistic journey and in my life. Living there was both challenging and transformative. On the one hand there was the overarching presense of Gaudi's legacy vibrantly evident all over the city. Beautiful iron work of gates and tiles adorned everyday buildings.There was 'Parque Guell,' the park designed by Gaudi and where he lived for a spell, with all the beautiful things he designed there but far too many to mention here, the sun and the sea, Las Ramblas...

After completing my photography studies, I found myself at a crossroads. The experience of the competitive and patriarchal nature of photo journalism plus having rebuffed an opportunity to work in a prestigious photographic studio in Dublin, had all left me feeling a little at sea, frightened, disenchanted and cold. Despite having good opportunities, I realised I lacked the inclination to navigate these highly competitive environments. Instead, I found myself drifting with a lot of yearning but with out a clear plan. This drift led me to Spain with my then-boyfriend, who did have a kind of a plan for his...

After my time in Heidelberg, Germany, I returned to Ireland with a mix of experiences and a deepened sense of what I wanted—or rather, what I didn't want—from my career and life. The 18mths spent in Heidelberg during which the Berlin wall came down had been an enriching experience in terms of language, cultural exposure, responsibility and a modicum of independence. I had even attended an event in the famous an stunning Heidelberg Schloss/Castle. I had spent multiple long working holidays with my au-pair family in Italy and Switzerland, I had one road trip to Norway, with my norwegian girlfriend...

When I reflect on my early days entering the world as an adult, it’s a tapestry of frustration, discovery, disappointments and confusion but plenty of energetic determination. Early sketch from school days of Satin our beautiful dog - Amanda Coen Creating art is an exhausting endeavour that requires large chunks of your time and emotional energy. For me, it’s a solitary pursuit that requires commitment, patience, dedication, and a large dollop of courage. I often found myself in that vulnerable spot when seeking outward validation and earnings. It sometimes caused me to feel unsteady and that I was pursuing a thankless task....

There's something you may or may not know about me. I started out as an artist and I have always been one at heart. It is my grand passion. All my appreciation awe and admiration for creativity including craft, singing, dancing, drama, books, and even writing stems from my deep  passion for art. Or at least I believe, that it all comes from the same deep central well—the attraction to colour, a fascination for outlines, composition, form, emotion, a deeper understanding of life, expansive thoughts, dreams, musings, sketches, studies, the urge for self-expression and sharing. All of it. Facing my...