Art inspiring change

Article and photo by Julie Matuszewski; photo courtesy of Annie Wardle

During her first visit to India, Amanda Foltz fell in love with the colors, coffee, and the people. These stunning fabricated works of art all began on Foltz’s handcrafted unicorn paper then were transformed through multiple styles of mediums to evoke emotion and action.

“Thread Through Time” was a solo art show held at the Daniels Gate Clubhouse featuring the brilliant works of local artist Amanda May Foltz. Guests traveled the world through Foltz’s unique special fiber art installations that represented many of her favorite places around the world.

A year ago, when travel was almost non-existent, Foltz found a way for the community to travel with her and explore many of her favorite adventures through her art. With uncertainties surrounding closures of museums and galleries in 2020, Foltz created an event that brought the arts back in a safe environment. Collected photographs of Foltz’s travels guided guests from one amazing country and art installation to another, introducing guests to colors, patterns and emotions that begged to be explored.

Foltz is a self-taught artist in a non-traditional way. Creative at an incredibly young age, she grew up exploring “how to” books. She is considered a mixed-media fiber artist, using natural materials and elements. Her love of papier-mache as a little girl was a catalyst into the fiber arts. Being able to use flour, water, and newspapers to form and create sculptures was cheap and messy. As a child, Foltz never had to ask for supplies, but she would apologize for the messes she created.

What inspires Foltz’s creativity? New people, places and experiences. Her art today is a combination of paper making and fashion design. Her style is considered expressionism and illustrative, possibly even whimsical. Foltz’s art invites the observer into her world, her heart and the way she sees things. She loves to combine several elements together to weave a story that evokes emotion and action. Each medium Foltz uses tells a different story. Watercolor is soft and fluid while oils are solid, bright and unmovable. For Foltz, the pencil feels free and erasable while a Sharpie is permanent. Hand stitching gives a sense of home while sewing with a machine is industrial. Foltz said it is the story she wants to tell, and to do so, she will find the tools to tell that story.

This Nicaragua piece, Flowing with Lava and Birds, was named after the beauty of the land and inspired by the colors and patterns of a Nicaraguan handbag. Elements of unicorn paper, thread, ink, wood and watercolor were used to capture this unique and beautiful piece created by artist Amanda Foltz.

Her favorite creations are the exhibits against human trafficking; creations that show her work with villages, women and children impacted by the growing epidemic. These works of art will never be sold; they are only to tell a story. One she prays will inspire people to act.

Another favorite creation of Foltz’s is her Flowing with Lava and Birds piece. This fiber art not only reminds her of the beauty of Nicaragua but tells the journey she shared with her son, Hero. Traveling with her youngest, Foltz showed Hero how to change the world through entrepreneurship, providing Spanish businesses training to empower parents to provide a living for their children.

These are just a few of Foltz’s stories and shared pieces. Each handcrafted piece designed from inspirational items she has collected from her countless journeys in an effort to make a difference.