In this interview, we talk to our artist, Amel Chamandy from Montreal, Canada.
Please describe your artwork style:
My artwork style is usually quite minimalist and pure in its essence, message or rendering but I would not want to attach a label to my style as I like to be able to explore.
What’s your background?
I have studied art and photography in Montreal and have travelled to Italy to learn about more traditional artistic techniques. I am very curious by nature so I am also self-educated.
How long have you been an artist?
Pretty much all my life, but say at 15 I knew I was going to be an artist.
Who or what are your biggest influences?
I am influenced by what touches me, most of the time by my surroundings, my travels, city and nature inspire me equally.
How have you developed your career?
I have developed it slowly and steadily letting myself create openly in all directions, exploring limitless learning about myself and what I wanted to express.
Which current art world trends are you following?
I am not following any specific art trends. I actually don’t really like to follow art trends. Trends are meant to vanish so I am following my inspiration mainly and it goes from there.
Where do you create your work?
I can create my work pretty much anywhere but I would say my studio is really where everything falls into place.
What do you feel is the role of the artist in society?
The role of an artist in society is to somehow raise awareness on a matter that is dear to them. I personally prefer to dwell on positive things and happy matters trying to bring beauty and joy/happiness to the world we live in, a world that can so often be somber/pessimistic.
What techniques / mediums do you use?
I like to experiment with various mediums and techniques as I am an adventurer by nature, at least in my own way. I love to explore new techniques and find the one thing that will best convey my message my concept.
Which is more important to you, the subject of your painting, or the way it is executed?
I believe that the two go together and can't be dissociated. That’s what makes an art piece strong.
How do you feel when you are letting your emotions loose on the canvas?
I feel good, although not always easy to do I feel a great sense of accomplishment.
What project are you working on now?
I am always working on a few projects at the time. There are too many ideas running around, floating in my mind to spare an idea, so I work on several at the same time. Currently, I am working on some glass pieces in Murano as well as some large scale paintings all based around the “dance” theme.
Any current or up-coming exhibitions?
My "Rock Your Art World” installation is to be featured in the spring but the dates still have to be determined. I also have a large scale “butterflower” sculpture to be installed in a garden setting at a resort in the Caribbean.
Where do you find your ideas for your work?
I’m a thinker and ideas just come to me naturally during the day whether I am in the studio, home or traveling. Anything can trigger my inspiration.
Is there an artwork you are most proud of? Why?
I am especially proud of the recent large scale sculpture that I created for a resort in the Caribbean. its titled: "Butterflower".
How do you know when a work is finished? I know its finished when I can let go of it. When I know it can live by itself without having to bring something more to it.
What is your most important artist tool? Is there something you can’t live without in your studio?
A pad and crayons are my basic tools, the rest comes/is being used after.
Is there an element of art you enjoy working with most? Why?
No not really, it depends where my creative mind is at the time of creation, so again I would not want to restrict myself to just one answer.
