Rosie Knapp sits down with Sheffield-based artist Amadora to delve into her bold style of blending abstract designs with fine art techniques…
Can you tell us about your background and the start of your artistic journey?
I have loved art throughout my whole life, even at school. But it wasn’t until the lockdown in 2020 that I started again. I knew that I wanted to do something creative, but I wasn’t really sure of what that was. So, in that lockdown I began sketching again, mainly just objects around the house. I started with drawing musicians and then posting them on Instagram for a bit of fun, and it went on from there really. People began messaging me asking if the pieces were for sale. I thought I could start off with the prints, but then more people began messaging me for commissioned pieces.
“I have loved art throughout my whole life, even at school. But it wasn’t until the lockdown in 2020 that I started again.”
It’s interesting how lockdown managed to bring out so many people’s creative side.
Yes, definitely. I didn’t really have the time to create art before with other jobs. I thought I’d always come back to it at some point, but during the lockdown I was able to sit and say to myself, ‘Right? What is something that I actually really love doing?’ Lockdown was a very strange and difficult time, of course. But it did make me think about what it was that I wanted to do.
Acrylic, spray and oil paints are the main mediums in your mixed-media pieces. How do you decide what to use?
They’re all pretty much mixed. Unless I’m doing a detailed realism commission piece, which would be purely acrylic most of the time. With my abstract work I have a feeling of the colours I would like, but they are all mixed. I like the different layers and details that all the mediums can use.
“I love capturing little memories of different places from around Sheffield, and it’s so lovely to hear when people have their own memories inspired by those pieces.”
Where does the main creative inspiration for your work come from?
I’ll say my main inspiration is colour. I find it fascinating, how it makes you feel when you have a certain piece of art on the wall in your room. A lot of it is self-expression, and if I’m feeling a certain type of way I might be drawn to certain colours. I just love to explore, and always try and make my art uplifting, colourful and bright. Energy is important to me as well – whether it’s my inner light energy or if it’s the vibrant city life around me.
I have such a busy mind, so it’s important for me to express it in that way. I like being able to create pieces that people can relate to and they can see it through the piece, and who knows? It might help to uplift their space.
Realism and abstract are the main forms you work with and there’s obviously quite a contrast between the two. Do you enjoy this challenge?
Yeah, I do. I’ve always been torn between the two. I often think to myself, ‘Oh, just pick one.’ But I love the contrast of it: being able to do expressive and free abstract art, but then also creating a realism piece that is detailed and tells more of a story to the viewer. Right now, I’m trying to merge them with abstract portraits, which I’m really enjoying too.
“With my abstract work I have a feeling of the colours I would like, but they are all mixed. I like the different layers and details that all the mediums can use.”
Are there any artists that inspire you?
There are lots of artists who inspire me, but I’d say the main artist is Sophie Tea. I absolutely love her work and what it stands for. Her art is so colourful with a mix of abstract and realism in there as well.
Finally, do you have any big upcoming plans for 2024?
Yes, I have the commission pieces that I do, but I am starting a new collection with abstract portraits. I also love capturing little memories of different places from around Sheffield, and it’s so lovely to hear when people have their memories inspired by those pieces. My plan is to start more Sheffield scenes, as I really enjoy capturing the city and its energy. More than anything, this year I really want to just go to more art fairs, exhibitions and meet people.
