Amanda

From: United Kingdom

Account Type
Individual account
Travelling to
Portugal, United Kingdom
Nº of Facebook friends
377
Badges

My status
Travelling
Description
Hello I am Amanda,

I am a professional artist. My work is predominately large murals on flat surfaces like walls.

Having travelled solo for the first time in 2014. I decided in January 2016 that I would quit my job as a teacher. I gave away my possessions, re-homed my cat and said goodbye to family and friends in exchange for the opportunity to travel around the world and that's exactly what I did and it was the most wonderful experience of my life.....I AM smiling now thinking about it.

I did my first workaway in July 2014 in Thailand, working at 'clayzyhouse hostel' where everything was made from driftwood, clay and found materials.
I was fortunate to be asked to paint the signage for an art hostel in Koh Lanta, Thailand, another amazing opportunity. (I was asked to paint Salvador Dali looking at a sexy Mona Lisa. (See profile pictures)
In 2015 in Australia I was working in permaculture, designing and building projects from wood. In Croatia, I was working in another hostel painting an Egyptian themed mural (see photos).
During my time in Portugal (2018 - until present) I was asked to paint a caravan and decided to base the theme on the animals that were present at the farm, changing the horse to a unicorn. This opened up many possibilities for me and I won a competition for my mural.
Since lockdown I have been on the island of Pico in The Azores working in various hotels and air b n b's painting various murals and commissions.
I have made artwork projects from found and recycled materials, trying to make use of the things other people throw away.
More recently I have been working at the house of Arte on a giant mosaic using tiles found in the trash or from a beach clean up.
I like to use an angle grinder to sculpt into volcanic rocks. (This is one of my newest passions).
Interests
Mountain
Nature
Camping
Yoga / Wellness
Dancing
Outdoor activities
Hiking
Gardening
Carpentry
Sustainability
Languages
Architecture
Art & design
Drawing & painting
DIY & crafts
Music
Videography
Photography
Technology
Cooking & food

show more
Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn
Some knowledge of:
General Maintenance
Life at a Farmstay
Helping around the house
Animal Care
Hospitality/Tourism
Charity Work
Helping with Computers/ Internet
Being an elderly companion
Able to teach about:
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Babysitting and creative play
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Eco Projects
Language practice
Art Projects
Teaching
More details about your skills
A bit more about my skills....
I try to live a simple life using my art as a way to travel on a budget. I specialise in murals.
I've spent time teaching Art and Design back in the UK for over 20 years in fact. I love spending time with people from all sorts of different cultures and backgrounds. I am a friendly person, open and honest with the people I meet. I am a naturally creative person who loves nothing better than using my artist talents in the best possible way, or I am just as happy designing and making things.
I love being outdoors in the sunshine, it warms my heart, gardening or building projects, would be great. I love cooking, especially healthy Thai food and anything veggie or vegan.
I am computer literate and have very good IT skills.
I have great people skills, I'd like to think I am warm and have empathy. I was a teacher of Art and Design Technology. So anything involving, teaching Art or English would be great! I can cook, clean, and help around the house. I don't mind getting my hands dirty and I am happy to chip in with anything that is needed to help. I have grown up children who are now in their 20's, so childminding wouldn't be a problem. I am a happy go lucky sort of person who is looking for a cultural experience and some great memories.

I am also a children's face painter and body painter. If you have any parties or festivals, then I can help out with this.
Languages
Languages spoken
Portuguese: Beginner
More details about my language interests
I am an online English teacher currently, I am able to teach this to anyone who needs help to improve. I used to be an Art teacher and I am able to guide people through the art process.
Age
45
What else ...
I am in the process of rebuilding and refurbishing my own home. I have many skills using wood. I am confident using electric and hand tools. I am learning to play djembe and I am part of a drum circle. I enjoy yoga, meditation and mindfulness.
Some more information
- Smoker
- Driver's licence
- Allergies
  wheat/gluten
- Special dietary requirements
  I try to eat mainly plant based food wherever possible, but understand this is not always possible.

Photos

I was asked to paint Salvador Dali with his eyes popping out.

Workaway at Clayzyhouse. Everything is constructed using found materials and local clay. Great place!

The start of a four year journey around the world.

This table was made by me from reclaimed pallets... I painted it white and began applying the skull design using pencil. I'm a dedicated artist working by candle light as there was no electricity.

Life is amazing.... whitsunday Islands, Australia!

Made with love from Blue Gum wood felled from the land... butchers block with wheels as it’s so heavy. I really enjoyed making this from scratch.

Mural commissioned for an Australian hostel in NSW.

Show all photos

Trialling recipes for Adobe, ready to apply to the walls.

The woman central to this mural was my hosts girlfriend. Full mural painted by me based on Egyptian goddesses, geometric patterns and DNA codes of light. 6 week project.

Feedback

26/02/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (amanda)

Where do I start with Shamanda?
Amanda arrived onto my project like hurricane Gilbert!
A self driven force of nature, independent, intelligent, hilarious English girl who has been on the road continuously for four years and travelled vastly prior to that.
She arrived here just in time with a ton of energy and saved me at the point when I was… read more

(Excellent )

23/02/2019

Left by Workawayer (amanda) for host for (Creative people wanted for ...)

I spent one month here and fell in love with Pico so much I’ve decided to stay and make it my home. Jonny’s Project is a home of quirky ness wihere almost everything is made with his own hands. His carpentry skills are amazing or shamazing. Jonny’s sense of humour is infectious, he’s always playing practical jokes and is a happy positive outgoing… read more

(Excellent )

28/01/2019

Left by Workawayer (amanda) for host for (Help on a smallholding with ...)

What does it mean to be passionate about horses? Is the passion for horses something you are born with? Is it something that develops over time? Sophie’s horses are her world, she lives for her horses. She always has their best interests at heart and seems to always think about them, she loves to talk about horses and really understands the… read more

(Very good )

28/01/2019

Left by host (Help on a smallholding with ...) for Workawayer (amanda)

Amanda's visit was mostly about painting a SHAMAZING (as she would say!) mural on my caravan, which I absolutely adore. It is soooo much more than I was expecting or hoped for, she really understood - and went beyond - what I tried to explain to her that I wanted. She is an amazing artist. My only regret is we didn't have enough time for her to… read more

(Very good )

10/10/2018

Left by Workawayer (amanda) for host for (Help around in a beautiful ...)

Lora – Bunovo

I initially applied for a workaway placement with Lora and her family for just a few days. As soon as I met Lora and her family I was overjoyed by the warm welcome I was given. Instantly I felt like part of her family and the community in which she lives. In fact, it felt like I had met her somewhere before and we instantly became… read more

(Excellent )

09/10/2018

Left by host (Help around in a beautiful ...) for Workawayer (amanda)

Our experience with Amanda turned into a beautiful friendship. She is pure, light soul, very creative, open and hard working. She helped us with all kind of work- from cooking and playing with our little boy, drawing and creating a vision for the yoga hall, to bringing wood, peeling wood beams and colllecting walnuts. And we enjoyed doing all this… read more

(Excellent )

22/04/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (amanda)

Amanda my sister from another mother... I miss her so much. She has poured so much love for this house. Her positive energy still revolving in this house. She is a bank of knowledge and ideas. She is very hardworking as well. She made this house more alive and beautiful. She participated in many different profect and mural painting is her… read more

(Excellent )

26/03/2018

Left by Workawayer (amanda) for host for (HELP URGENTLY WANTED....... ...)

I worked here with Rakesh from April to June 2017. What can I say about Rakesh...he's more than a friend, he's more like a brother to me and I feel honoured and blessed to have had the pleasure to meet with him and stay at his gorgeous house. He's hospitable, kind, caring, thoughtful, energetic, loving, helpful, funny, interesting and the best… read more

(Excellent )

26/03/2018

Left by Workawayer (amanda) for host for (Join our crew of of ...)

Great experience. Loved being here.

(Very good )

19/03/2017

Left by host (a Permaculture Project in ...) for Workawayer (amanda)

Amanda's personality is such a sunny one. Every day a smile and a peaceful aura. Amanda, as well as her partner were responsible for numerous woodworking jobs one being a very solid 700mm x 760mm chopping block on wheels for the volunteer kitchen from timber milled from the property. Amanda also painted our dining room table a beautiful artwork of… read more

(Excellent )

01/03/2017

Left by Workawayer (amanda) for host for (a Permaculture Project in ...)

Paul (aka Nonna) is an inspiring, outgoing, fun, honest, loving, kind, knowledgeable, and friendly guy, open to any ideas you have that would benefit the project. He works hard to create a sustainable life for himself using his extensive knowledge of permaculture, following the permaculture principles.

Working as a volunteer here was probably… read more

(Excellent )

20/07/2016

Left by Workawayer (amanda) for host for (Help with natural building ...)

Vicki

Vicki is fun, honest, loving, kind, knowledgeable friendly and open to any ideas you have. She works hard to create a sustainable life for herself, using her extensive knowledge of permaculture. She is extremely kind to her surroundings, making sure that any natural habitat is left undisturbed or left to its own devices. Her plot is… read more

(Excellent )

20/09/2014

Left by Workawayer (amanda) for host for (A beach holiday Hostel and ...)

This was a very unique and exciting experience! It was my first workaway. I helped out during the low season, so things were quiet on the island. I loved my bamboo hut, listening to the sound of wildlife before sleeping but bring a torch as it can be dark. I worked for a few hours each day and then had time to explore the island and connect with… read more

(Very good )

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