We had the good fortune of connecting with Amanda Sandlin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amanda, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
gentle sentiments came about when I craved a slower pace of living and art making. I craved using more of my hands and less of my head. Much of my painting and sculpture practice comes from an intense, contemplative place, where my ceramic creations for gentle sentiments are pure joy, whimsy, and light-heartedness. I wanted a place for this other part of my art practice to live, and so, gentle sentiments was born.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Although gentle sentiments is a newer endeavor, it’s been a decade in the making. I’ve always been a multi-passionate person and viewed my pursuits — from personal essay writing, to line-drawing illustration, to travel photography, to abstract painting — as separate. Now I see that all of those seemingly unrelated phases in my career have led me to exactly where I am now. They’re not a “past version” or disjointed part of my path. They’re active participants in my current reality. Nothing has been “easy,” but it’s always felt second nature. I know when I’m headed in the right direction — it takes guts and discipline — but it always feels right.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Coffee: Cassiopeia (which is also a female-focused bike shop); GABEE (right next to the gym where I climb, Movement); and Verb Coffee Roasters. Food: The newly re-opened Wapos in North Boulder for smothered burritos, conveniently located next to my art studio; TASUKI for low-key amazing sushi; Jungle for burgers and tiki drinks. We’d hang at our amazing local library, Trident Bookstore, Dry Creek Trailhead for off-leash dog time, and of course, my shared art studio space, CROWD Collective.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Tiffany Crowder of The CROWD Collective

Website: https://www.gentlesentiments.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gentle_sentiments/

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