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

Hi Amanda, why did you pursue a creative career?
Since I was a small child, my imagination and creativity were my best friends. I would design clothes for my barbies, write and illustrate stories, and create name keepsakes for all my friends. I have always been creative, and will always radiate creativity throughout every avenue of my life. I chose to pursue a creative career as an Artist because that is my calling, my passion, and my purpose. I have changed HOW I will create for a living many times, but one thing never changed. I know I am destined to use my creative skills for a purpose, to serve my community, connect with others, and bring joy and love through my art.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Fine Art for me is an expression of the soul. My paintings and drawings reflect my interests, are my form of self-reflection, healing, and communication. Often times, my creations are made from my love for others that I surround myself with, family and friends, my idols and inspirations. My color palettes are always colorful and changing, my lines combine geometric with groovy and organic forms. Hence, “Groovy Palettes” was born. I love playing with surrealism and abstract elements, in combination with a realistic flare, to really create a dialogue around a work of art. My art focuses on the intersection of color and form to evoke emotion and tell a story. My themes are centered around entertainment, mental health, travel, and nature–encompassing the human spirit and the world’s cultures. I am constantly exploring the world around me, soaking in all the emotions and colors that go with it. Much of my work has a meditative, spiritual vibe to it, if not comical and out right obnoxious. I use art as my form of meditation, helping me focus and channel my emotions into a positive expression of my most authentic self, reflecting my outgoing and bubbly personality. I am really excited to finally be finding my true voice as an artist. I have many buckets of interests, many mediums I have experienced in my life, but it prevented me from advancing as I was spread too thin. Narrowing my field of focus, I feel huge momentum in my creative pursuits as an artist and creative business entrepreneur. This was not an easy move, but it took many years of experience, personal growth, and reflection to get to where I am today. Groovy Palettes is the truest representation of myself as a creative being, and I am ecstatic to share that with the world!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My favorite thing to do when people visit is take them out to my favorite spots to eat– SDTAPROOM in Pacific Beach for the lunch special and happy hour beers, PB Cantina for 2 for ones. One night would definitely have to eat down in Little Italy at any of the amazing Italian restaurants, and get Salt & Straw for dessert. I would take my visitors for a bike ride along the board walk, choose a hike or two anywhere in the county. Depending on the weather, Devil’s Punch Bowl or Cowles Mountain. I always take visitors to see the seals in La Jolla. Dancing at Tavern in Pacific Beach, ending the night in a dive bar or two. I would take them to an authentic taco spot, and one of my favorite sushi spots. Convoy Street for sure! I love taking people thrift store shopping in Hillcrest, and possibly a brunch at Lips! A pool day at the Lafayette could be an option as well. Brunch on a Sunday at Duck Dive for bottomless mimosas, or The Great Maple for maple bacon doughnuts. A bonfire on the beach one night as well. There are too many amazing things to do in San Diego, I can never get them all done!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I know this is cliche, but I want to shout out to my mom. She has always been my biggest supporter of my dreams, never once doubting any dream I had. Whether it was to be an actress in Hollywood, or a traveling videographer, she always said to me, “You can do anything you put your mind and heart to, I know you will be successful. Always follow your dreams!” She has been telling me to sell my art since high school, and I thought she was crazy. “Who would want to buy my art?!” I would irritatedly state to her. Now, I am building a freelance art business where people are contacting me asking for my art! As they always say, mother knows best…

Website: www.groovypalettes.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/groovypalettes
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groovypalettes

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSocal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.