Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Wirig.
Hi Amanda, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I began drawing at age three, around the same time I was learning to read and write, and I’ve been creating ever since. I also began taking music lessons at age 8, and as an undergraduate at Minnesota State University, Mankato, I double-majored in both Art and Music. I began working professionally as an artist upon graduating in 2003, when I received my first large-scale commissioned work for the lobby of the Performing Arts Center at MSU, Mankato.
I began developing my current style in 2005, when I first incorporated text, humor, and mid-century-inspired imagery into a body of work known as the Ad Series. This series also marks the first time that themes of social justice make an appearance in my paintings. I began exhibiting throughout Minnesota and in Chicago, gaining gallery representation at the David Leonardis Gallery in Chicago in 2015.
In 2016-2017 I received a Jerome Fellowship for Emerging Artists, and in the years since I have exhibited in galleries throughout the United States, including New Mexico, California, Wisconsin, and Ohio. In September of 2021, I received gallery representation with TRiCERA Art in Tokyo, and am now marketing my work to a worldwide audience.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Working in the arts has definitely been a challenge, but also incredibly rewarding. I always say that you don’t choose a life in the arts; the art profession chooses you. Throughout my career I have had to juggle creation with multiple day jobs, including teaching private music lessons, playing in bands, teaching art and music at a public charter school, and working in the nonprofit arts sector, so finding enough time to devote to my studio practice has sometimes been difficult.
Some years have been more profitable than others, but an income that relies on sales and grant funding is not always as stable as I would like it to be. It’s also expensive to be an artist. Art supplies are costly, not to mention framing costs, exhibition/entry fees, and marketing expenses. More often than not, artists have to pay in order to work–by submitting work for a grant or an exhibition with a fee for review, by investing in the creation of work up front before a sale is possible, or by self-funding the costs associated with a solo show. It all adds up quickly.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I create retro-inspired Pop Art paintings and mixed media pieces that differ from the work of other artists by incorporating text and humor, as well as a strong musical influence that comes from my life as a musician and my love of record shops and all things music-related. While some of my work is strictly pop-culture related, some of it touches on issues that are important to me, such as women’s rights and social justice issues. I have found that using humor allows me to address what can be difficult topics in a way that is more palatable to the viewer, making them laugh and encouraging a dialogue instead of simply forcing my opinions on the audience. There is nothing I love more than to be in a gallery full of my artwork, hearing laughter coming from the people viewing it. When they laugh out loud, I know I’ve made a connection with them.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The absolute most important lesson I’ve learned is that relationships are EVERYTHING. Anything you will ever do as an artist of any discipline hinges on the relationships you’ve built with the people around you, whether they be gallery owners, curators, collectors, grant administrators, or other artists. If you conduct yourself in a professional manner and treat people with respect and kindness, it will open more doors for you than anything else.
You never know what opportunities will come your way, even after a rejection, because someone saw your work and had a great interaction with you. Regardless of your industry, no one wants to do business with someone who is difficult, entitled, or rude, and certainly, no one deserves to be treated that way. If you work hard, are consistent in your efforts, and genuinely care about other people, it will take you far.
Pricing:
- Prints: $15-$40
- Paintings/Mixed Media Work: $100-$1,200
- Art Business Consulting: $40 per hour
- Murals: $20-$35 per square foot
Contact Info:
- Email: amanda@amandawirig.com
- Website: https://amandawirig.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandawirig/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmandaWirigArt
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/AmandaWirig
- Other: https://www.tricera.net/artist/painters/8104622
Image Credits
Daniel Dinsmore
Amanda Wirig
