Amanda Coen Art

As an artist, the very thought of limiting creativity in any way makes me fidgety. "Niche down," they say. "Focus on what works. Focus on what your audience wants." But for many artists, this advice feels like stepping into a veritable straitjacket—and it’s itchy! While I instinctively rail against this idea in many ways, I also acknowledge that, in some respects, it is completely valid. And in other ways? Utter rubbish. Let’s discuss it. But first, let me tell you where I’m coming from. How it Was Before Digital: No social media accounts, email lists, websites, agents or paid ads....

To me, art inspiration is life itself—everything I see, hear, and experience every day. That’s it in a nutshell, though a very dense one! Whatever inspires me in life will naturally inspire me artistically. But then comes the decision. Which ideas are worth pursuing, and which should remain as fleeting thoughts? Some concepts are best left undeveloped or unexplored. But so far, I’ve never found myself short of inspiration for paintings, sketches, jewellery, or even giftware designs. Life is a vast and boundless source of ideas—our only job is to filter and refine what calls to us. Everyday Moments: The...

Art: Getting Out of My Own Way to Create I have been waiting quite a while to begin writing regularly about my new art adventures. It’s a strange thing to carve out a new creative routine, especially after a long absence. The process has been full of stops and starts, endless reassessments, and, ultimately, a major shift in how I approach my time, my priorities, and my creative energy. Through continuous research, learning from other creators, and an invaluable year of online coaching since July 2023, I have discovered more efficient ways of managing tasks like content creation. Seeing smarter...

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...