Amanda Blake

Amanda Blake is a contemporary American painter known for her whimsical and often surreal depictions of animals, particularly birds, in her artwork. Born in 1981, Blake received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Oregon and later earned her Master of Fine Arts from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her work often features a combination of oil painting and mixed media, incorporating elements such as embroidery, gold leaf, and vintage paper to create textured and layered pieces. Blake's paintings are characterized by their dreamlike quality and the use of vibrant, saturated colors.

Blake has exhibited her work in solo and group shows across the United States, including at the Portland Art Museum, Museum of Contemporary Craft, and Guardino Gallery. Her work has also been featured in publications such as American Art Collector and Hi-Fructose Magazine. In addition to her painting practice, Blake has worked as an art instructor, teaching courses in painting and drawing at various institutions.

One of Blake's notable series is The Migratory Patterns of Imaginary Birds, which explores themes of migration, belonging, and the intersection of the natural and supernatural worlds. Through her whimsical portrayal of birds in various states of flight or repose, Blake invites viewers to consider the ways in which animals and humans navigate their environments and the concept of home. Her work often includes text or phrases that add a narrative element to the visual imagery, further engaging the viewer in the story being told through the painting.