By: Stacy Keith
Amanda Sneed paints with energy, joy and color and she has an amazing partnership with locally owned boutique All About Looks (3515 34th Street). I caught up with this bundle of energy at the store to talk with her about her history, work, and painting.
Amanda is originally from Tulia, a little town just north of the Hub City. Texas Tech University’s art program lured her to Lubbock. She attained a degree in graphic design and has worked for Hartsfield Design since graduating approximately 14 years ago. An accomplished graphic designer who loves her work and particularly loves design work involved in publications; she recently discovered her passion for painting as a mixed media artist in 2017.
Amanda describes herself as always being creative, loving to draw as a child and mulling over the idea of being a fashion designer as she neared high school graduation. As a mixed media artist her works are varied and her florals are some of the most recognized of her pieces, but she has most recently delved into creating amazingly striking abstract faces. Faces in the most unconventional and unique fashion which hold geometric elements. Regardless of what Amanda creates – she has a very distinctive style.
She gave me a glimpse behind the curtain saying that she likes to paint flat rather than using an easel and that she often has several works developing at once. Amanda works full time, but paints in her spare hours – which may be in the mornings, on Saturdays or in the evenings. She shared the joy that getting pastels on her hands creates for her and the spirit that infuses her as she literally sits with her art on the floor and lets it speak to her.
She has released the need for perfectionism with her art saying that it’s okay if it’s not perfect, but rather whimsical and energetic. Painting brings her joy and peace, and it brings the
eventual owners similar feelings. Amanda expressed how good it makes her feel when her work goes to a home in which the owner tells her it makes them feel happy – the power to illicit a feeling like that is extremely meaningful to her.
Amanda loves to partner with area arts organizations and businesses to display her art. Her work was in the Affordable Art Sale at LHUCA in November 2021 and can often be found in the LHUCA Arts Market (inside the LHUCA building). She also has partnered with Therese M. Barrett Photography and artist Kristy Kristinek for shows as well as been a featured artist at Burklee Hill Vineyard.
All About Looks carries a variety of Amanda’s pieces for sale. This amazing relationship started when Amanda and her aunt visited another store in the shopping center and popped into All About Looks to explore the store and Amanda inquired about their interest in carrying local artwork. Several conversations and some samples of her pieces led to a blossoming relationship. Amanda’s bright cheerful pieces look like they were meant to be displayed in this unique and charming locally owned home interior store.
What I love about Amanda’s story is seeing a young artist following her dreams to make the world a more joyful place through her artwork and knowing that part of what has made her journey possible are the great arts community of Lubbock, business owners who are willing to support local art and others in the artistic community who collaborate. Amanda enjoys working closely with other local artists and musicians on both projects and exhibits. As a graphic designer she has worked with Maines Brother Band member Cary C. Banks on his book and album covers and as an artist – Amanda’s landscapes are featured in singer/songwriter Andy Wilkinson’s upcoming memoir Llanero.
She is an artist to watch while exploring the Lubbock arts and culture scene. Amanda’s work can be found at All About Looks and digitally, you can connect with her through Instagram (manda.sneed), through Facebook, or online at amandasneedart.com.
