Meet Amanda Armstrong | Artist, and Homesteader

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

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Leaving city life behind, I am a multi-disciplined artist that now lives and creates on my mountain homestead. My art consists of tactile contemporary wall weaving, woodworking, and modern abstract. My Macramé wall hangings blend modern texture with chunky thread, luxurious fibers, and vibrant colors to create whimsical patterns, a unique melding of fashion and ancient craft. My woodwork has a rustic flair which is highlighted by the natural gems and minerals I use to add a glitzy touch. To round out my portfolio, I still take pleasure in painting, infusing new contemporary abstract to the breathtaking scenes around me.

I am incredibly fortunate, as I use natural animal organics to enhance my weaves, which span a variety of colors from beige to the more daring. Every piece tells a special story with its own theme. My wood is personally collected and sculpted, and I’m proud to be a female woodworker bringing both beauty and utility to this craft.

When I first set out to build my brand as a multi-disciplined artist, I encountered many roadblocks along the way. The biggest challenge for me was finding a way to convey how all my various artistic skills and interests related to one another.
I spent countless hours trying to justify my love for painting, drawing, writing, and music as a cohesive brand. I thought that I needed to fit into a specific category or genre to be successful, but I soon learned that this was not the case.
Another roadblock that I faced was the fear of failure. It can be daunting to put yourself out there and showcase your creative work to the world, especially when you’re not sure how it will be received. But I knew that I couldn’t let that fear hold me back from pursuing my passion and building my brand.

I also encountered logistical challenges, such as finding the time and resources to create and share my work. Being a multi-disciplined artist requires a lot of dedication and hard work, and sometimes it can be overwhelming trying to balance all the different projects I have going on at once.

Despite these roadblocks, I knew that I had to stay true to myself and my vision. I reminded myself that I do all of these creative endeavors because they make me happy and fulfilled. And ultimately, that’s what matters the most.
Through persistence and determination, I found ways to overcome these challenges and build a brand that showcases my unique artistic voice. It wasn’t always easy, but the reward of pursuing my passion and sharing my work with the world has been worth every roadblock along the way.

Throughout my life, I have remained true to who I am. Before, I was too preoccupied with pleasing others that I disregarded the possibility of creating something genuine. Now, I ensure every piece of work is one-of-a-kind and created from my own perspectives and experiences, and I make the most of the life I live on my own homestead.

As a homesteader, I practice sustainable living and artistry. The pieces I make breathe life and freshness from the mountains, all gathered and crafted by my own hands. Every piece I craft originates from my homestead and the depths of my spirit.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Trinidad, Colorado has undergone an exciting transformation. With its thriving downtown of vintage stores, artisan boutiques, and coffee shops with unique atmospheres, the city has become a destination for art and music lovers alike. What’s more, the mountains surrounding Trinidad provide breathtaking scenery, and its network of gravel paths offer superb conditions for cycling. I find a deep personal satisfaction in visiting the diverse landscapes of our State Parks. The beauty and the subtle changes just a short distance away never cease to inspire me.

When it comes to culinary recommendations, Almacks Kitchen stands out with its contemporary American cuisine. Meanwhile, Main Street provides a variety of great thrifting opportunities, including Noahs Ark Thrift Store and PALS, both of which are dedicated to animal welfare and contributing to the betterment of the local community.

Floracia Trinidad, an enchanting plant shop located in the city, has recently opened its doors to provide customers with an exclusive range of plants and goods.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to express my gratitude to my husband for being strong in our decision to leave the city and pursue a homesteading lifestyle. His unwavering support and positivity have been crucial in making this dream a reality. Thank you, love.

Website: www.AdornedForest.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/AdornedForest

Other: www.Instagram.com/MainandMapleTrinidad