I have about 500 new faces here. It might seem small to some, but after a few years of stillness, it feels big to me. So hello ✨ I’m Amy. My second name is Ayanda, which is where that part comes from. I’m based in Cape Town, South Africa. I’m an artist, musician, hat wearer and mom to three amazing children; Frances, Atlas and Jude. Motherhood continues to humble me. I love making a home, exploring fashion, creating art, walking outside, gardening, playing chess and losing almost every time and building real connection. If you’re new here and not sure where to begin, start here ⬆️ then have a look at my website. All of my work and offerings live there aswell as a blog where I share thoughts and things.
Subscribe, like, or leave a comment below and let’s connect. I’m so glad you’re here ✨
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For the last three weeks I’ve been hosting creative circles in my home studio in Cape Town and here is what I have learnt. I’ve learned that people are deeply craving care, connection and pause, including myself.
I’ve learnt that we are needing not just survival level care, but nourishing food, creativity, warmth, conversation and spaces where we can simply exist without needing to perform.
I think we’ve forgotten how vital play, softness and community really are to our nervous systems.
It has been such a privilege to hold space for people and to witness what happens when we finally allow ourselves to slow down. You can book for my Bloom Circles in the link in my Bio or go to amyayanda.com. I can’t wait to meet you x Ams 💗🧿🌀💫
May is the last month to shop my Autumn collection on my store 🌀 I Am Afraid I Have Forgotten is available from A3-A0. There are seven editions left of this print. These are Gicleè Fine Art prints, printed on a 200gsm True Fibre Matt paper. I offer free shipping in South Africa with orders over R1500 💖🌀 Worldwide shipping offered at checkout with UPS and FedEx 💕 amyayanda.com or email [email protected] for any queries 🧿
May is the last month to shop my Autumn collection on my store 🌀 We Much More Than Matter is available from A3-A0. There are two editions left of this print. These are Gicleè Fine Art prints, printed on a 200gsm True Fibre Matt paper. I offer free shipping in South Africa with orders over R1500 💖🌀 Worldwide shipping offered at checkout with UPS and FedEx 💕 amyayanda.com or email [email protected] for any queries 🧿
BLOOM After Dark is a series of intimate creative events I’ve been hosting in my home studio every Wednesday for the last three weeks. I’ve been recipe developing over these rainy weekends, sourcing beautiful pieces of paper and planning other intricate bits and bobs. It’s been a wonderfully warm place to land mid week. I’ve loved having guests in my space and sharing a small part of my practice with others. There are three more Bloom events; the next dates are May 13th, 20th and 27th (special guest joining us on the 27th) ❤️🌀 Spaces are very limited so be sure to get your ticket soon ❤️🧿 Link to my Bloom circles are in my bio or book at amyayanda.com
First photo by @ayeh.kphotography
BLOOM 🌀after dark 🧿🌀❤️ my first (official) After Dark circle was so incredibly special. So many kismet moments, connection and warmth. Join me for the next one next week Wednesday the 6th of May 🌀 link to my Quicket in my bio or go to amyayanda.com for more 💗🌀 blessings and love x Ams
Ty to the amazing @kerensetton for helping me 🧿🌀🙏 you are an absolute dream
Ty to my friend @ayeh.kphotography@ayehkhalatbari for blessing us with your 👁️📸
Not afraid to be seen trying. The last two months have indeed been trying, to say the least. Finding my feet in a massive change and knowing these things will manifest and come through consistent hard work, but definitely not overnight. I’m working incredibly hard, and it’s starting to pay off.
Into the night editing, monthly planning, making art, new portfolio work for clients, catalogue updating, then it’s admin of caring and taking care of three amazing humans.
It’s felt important to also know what’s sustainable for me and when it’s time to pause in order to regain energy for it all. This has shown up for me through grounding techniques. When I feel like I’m not able to do something, with the excuse of “I need to work, I don’t have time,” I connect to the ground through running or walking, making pots, tending to the plants and veggie garden. When all has been done that is what I can do to keep me regulated in the unknown.
Last week was great as I had a painting deadline, so got stuck into that while everything else waited a bit, and we also managed to get a studio session in for the album. As an artist, your practice needs go beyond the studio, through looking, reading, listening and experiencing the world so that this can then come through in order for you to make good work. But that process isn’t always possible in the real world; it’s a tricky balance and one that I’m still working on.
I’ve more recently started working with stylists and photographers on shoots and assisting with Art Direction, which has been great for cash flow and working in community. Working alone can sometimes be a little quiet.
It’s easy to see someone showing up here with the illusion that it’s all put together magically, but BTS there has been lots of grinding. Real hands and real hustle. I’m starting to see it simmering beautifully.
PS if any hardware store out there wants to sponsor me a drill, I will be your ambassador. I’ve now reached level “I need a drill for this” 👷♀️ TYSM ⚒️
Incredibly grateful to the people in my life who have been my cheerleaders literally every day. You know who you are ❤️❤️❤️❤️
It is so important to experience artwork in the flesh. There is just no comparison. It’s almost like when you try and take a picture on your phone of a sunset and it doesn’t quite do it justice, painting is much the same. The hand is there. The slip ups, the history behind the artists decisions. The corrections. Image making is one aspect of painting; but looking is the other, it is a privelege and such a powerful tool. Painting is so much more than just an image, it is history and time. How wonderful is that? 🌀
📹 @thorrixon
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