The author is a young, self-taught artist specializing in digital and traditional illustration. She graduated from high school placing third in her state for SkillsUSA for Graphic Communications, and receiving NOCTI certification in the trade. She now studies Conservation Biology. Amanda encourages others to look beyond the material, industrialized world and outside of themselves to see what really matters in life.

Recognizing she lives in a culture of takers and of privilege, Amanda seeks to be a leaver and give back to others and the earth in whichever ways she can. Whether that means being a careful consumer, an environmentalist, an activist of social justice and equality, a voice of reason for non-humans, volunteering and working with children who need help in their daily lives, or planting a garden Amanda tries to make a positive difference in the world. As a result, her views and opinions of what is “right,” are sometimes controversial and regularly go against what is mainstream.

Inspired by art, Amanda seeks to create. To Amanda, art encompasses all things; as a result she draws her influences from nature, books and writings, visual art, photography, music, etc. She prefers to spend time among trees and uncemented landscape opposed to buildings. In her free time she can be found reading, writing, drawing, painting, walking, drinking tea, or engaging in conversation/debate. She hopes one day to make her own adventures while living in harmony with the earth and its other inhabitants and away from a society which seeks to dominate and destroy fellow creation instead of worshiping and marveling at it. Until then, she will continue to make this a better place to live.

This blog is not meant to change minds by any means, but to challenge ideas, present philosophies and admire wonderful things.

(Wonderful bio written by Emily Stamey)