WHO IS GOD? FEATURED ARTIST

“Shadow” Amanda Jolley encaustic painting

Kansas City artist Amanda Jolley is the featured artist in the GRETCHEN BRIGHAM GALLERY this Saturday, November 16, noon - 3 p.m. Three of Jolley’s encaustic paintings are included in the WHO IS GOD? exhibition, which runs through December 1. “Contemplation,“ “Light,” and “Shadow” are each accompanied by a short poem penned by the artist — a kind of written punctuation mark expressing the essence of the artist’s vision.

The search for greater meaning in life can often be a catalyst to change. This is the case for Amanda Jolley, and the change was radical — from accountant to artist. Without formal education in art, Amanda’s artistic training has been intentional; finding artists whose work compels her and then studying with them through workshops and personal instruction. She also regularly meets and works with other artists to propel process, ideas, and larger artistic vision. She is a member of the Kansas City Artists Coalition, the International Encaustic Artists, and Origami USA. In the past 10 years, Amanda’s paintings have been exhibited internationally both in solo and group exhibits. She also has a large-scale (12×6 sq ft) commissioned permanent installation at the University of Kansas Medical Hospital. 

The inspiration for her work comes from an observation of the patterns found in every day life, and how they complement and often mirror the connections in the brain and processing of the subconscious. Her work reflects the patterns emerging from the subconscious both in her encaustic painting and in her paper folding. The study of patterns is further examined by the folding of tessellations on paper and encaustic monotypes, incorporating these fold patterns and folded papers into her paintings and as standalone works.

To learn more about Amanda Jolley and her art, join us in the Gretchen Brigham Gallery this Saturday, November 16, noon to 3 p.m.