Amanda

United Kingdom
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Travel information
I am currently
Travelling
My next destination:
Colombia - from Mar 2025 until Jun 2025
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Description
LOOKING FOR A LAST MINUTE OPPORTUNITY - NEAR MINCA, COLOMBIA

Creative, Conscious, and Ready to Connect

Namaste – Aloha – Buenos Días – Good Day!

For the past 10 years, I have been traveling the world through Workaway, offering my skills in art, design, teaching, permaculture, and community work. From painting visionary murals to building eco-projects, teaching English, hosting workshops, and creating upcycled art, I bring creativity, passion, and a deep respect for the spaces and people I work with.

I am a professional artist, designer, and art therapist, with a BA (Hons) in Interior Design & Architecture, a Postgraduate Degree in Art & Technology Education, and a TEFL qualification. My work is colorful, surreal, and transformative, and I love using art as a healing tool. I recently completed my QHHT (Quantum Healing Hypnosis Technique) and have just birthed and crafted my first shamanic drum, deepening my connection to the sacred and spiritual aspects of my journey.

I have also written my first book, “Into the Light”, a heartfelt memoir of my travels often via workaway and the lessons I’ve gathered along the way.

I am currently in Colombia and seeking meaningful artistic, creative, or community-based volunteer opportunities. I would love to exchange my skills while learning Spanish and deepening my experience with South American culture and wisdom traditions.

What I Offer:

• Murals & Art Installations – Transforming spaces with visionary and nature-inspired artwork.
• Art Therapy & Workshops – Helping people heal and express through creative processes.
• Teaching & Community Work – English, art, design, and hands-on creativity.
• Eco & Permaculture Projects – Gardening, upcycling, and sustainable building.
• Hospitality & Guest Support – Cooking, organizing, and creating welcoming spaces.

A Decade of Creative Volunteering (2014–2025)

From Thailand to Australia, Portugal to Costa Rica, Colombia to Peru, I have worked on diverse projects including painting hostel murals, teaching art in the Amazon basin, sculpting volcanic rock, designing for festivals, and supporting integration within plant medicine retreats. A creative soul with a hands-on approach—painting, textiles, and joinery. From weaving and dyeing to crafting with wood, I bring ideas to life with color, texture, and structure.

If you are looking for someone with a strong work ethic, creative vision, and a deep respect for the energy of a place, I would love to collaborate.

Let’s create something meaningful together!

With gratitude and an open heart,
Amanda
Interests
Cycling
Charity work
Books
Blogging
Astronomy
Beach
Animals
Yoga / Wellness
Videography
Vegetarian or vegan
Technology
Sustainability
Plant care
Photography
Outdoor activities
Nature
Music
Mountain
Languages
Gardening
Hiking
Cooking & food
Drawing & painting
Dancing
DIY & crafts
Culture
Camping
Carpentry
Art & design
Architecture
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Beginner
Portuguese: Beginner
More details about my language interests
I taught Art & English with limited Spanish speaking to the Sacha Wasi community in Ecuador (see photos). I taught English to Chinese students online for two years during my time in the Açores and 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. I'd really like to improve my beginner Spanish and improve my beginner Portuguese.
Find a language buddy
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
Languages
Art Projects
Teaching
More details about your skills
A Creative, Open-Hearted Traveler Ready to Share & Learn

I try to live a simple, meaningful life, using my art as a way to travel, connect with people, and bring color to the world. My specialty is murals, transforming spaces with vibrant, visionary artwork that tells a story and adds beauty to the environment.

For 22 years, I taught Art and Design Technology in high schools, helping young minds explore their creativity. I have also worked as an online English teacher, guiding students with patience and encouragement. I love sharing my skills, whether through teaching, painting, cooking, or creating something new.

I thrive in diverse cultural environments, enjoying the exchange of ideas, traditions, and stories with people from all walks of life. I am passionate about cooking, especially healthy, plant-based meals, and I’m always happy to lend a hand—cooking, cleaning, or helping around the house. I don’t mind getting my hands dirty and love working on creative and practical projects that bring people together.

Beyond art and teaching, I have a fun, playful side—I am also a children’s face painter and body artist! If you have any festivals, parties, or events, I would love to add some color and joy with my artistic touch.

I am a happy-go-lucky, easygoing person, looking for meaningful cultural experiences and memories to add to my “book of life”. Every place I visit, every person I meet, and every experience I have adds another chapter to my journey, and I can’t wait to see where it takes me next. Who knows maybe if we meet, you might end up as a chapter in my book.

If you are looking for creativity, kindness, and a willing heart, I would love to connect and contribute in any way I can.
Age
49
What else ...
A Creative Soul with a Love for Connection & Craft

I have some experience in rebuilding and refurbishing houses, having spent three years renovating my own home with dedication and love. Through this process, I developed many practical skills working with wood and feel confident using both hand tools and power tools. I deeply enjoy creating with my hands, whether it’s constructing something new or restoring something old.

Due to a past injury—breaking my ankle in three places and now having metal plates and pins for support—I am unable to do heavy manual labor. However, I am still active and capable, bringing attention to detail, creativity, and problem-solving to every project I take on.

Beyond my creative and practical work, I am always exploring ways to deepen my connection to life. I am learning to play the djembe and was part of a drum circle, recently birthing my own shamanic drum for journeying and experiencing the profound energy of rhythm and vibration. I also practice yoga, meditation, and mindfulness, as I try to become more present in each moment.

Being in nature is essential to me—I find peace in swimming in the river or sea, breathing in fresh air, and nourishing my body with organic, plant-based food.

I love to make up new recipes from food of the land. Starfruit Salsa is delicious.

I love being surrounded by awakened, mindful, kind, and joyous souls, yet I also cherish my alone time, as it allows me to recharge and stay in balance.

I bring a gentle, creative, and open-hearted approach to everything I do, and I am always looking to connect with people and places that inspire, uplift, and create beauty—whether through art, nature, or shared experience.

Looking forward to where the journey takes me next!
Some more information
- Smoker
- Driver's licence
- Allergies
  Gluten
- Special dietary requirements

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Feedback

14 Dec 2022

Left by host for Workawayer ()

This Workaway was stellar!!! Amanda is not only a talented and very professional artist, but she is also an excellent teacher. She taught a beginners art class to the other Workaways while she was here and her infectious enthusiasm got us all into the spirit of creation, with great results.

Most importantly, she took a project very dear to my… read more

(Excellent )

3 Nov 2022

Left by Workawayer () for host (Join small and friendly team ...)

Charly

Pavones is a magical small town at the most southern part of Costa Rica on the Western Pacific Side, it is well known for it’s left waves. It is the perfect place to be if you are into surfing. The town is small and quiet which I really enjoyed. The beach is a couple of minutes walk away and is rustic and beautiful, surrounded by raw… read more

(Good )

25 Oct 2022

Left by host for Workawayer ()

Amanda was a house sitter while the whole family was traveling. She left a sacred blessing, a mural that opened channels for light vibrations, and healing energy. She is a powerful healer and channel. I pray that she will return here one day so we can meet personally. Her art is magical, her energy is pure and honest. I bow in respect.🙇🏽‍♀️ Thank… read more

(Excellent )

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14 Dec 2022

Left by host for Workawayer ()

(Excellent)

3 Nov 2022

Left by Workawayer () for host (Join small and friendly team ...)

(Good)

25 Oct 2022

Left by host for Workawayer ()

(Excellent)

14 Sep 2022

Left by host (Help us at our hostel in San ...) for Workawayer ()

Amanda is a great person, we love her so much. She was friendly and welcoming to our guests and always a sunny smile and a happy personality. Amanda is also an amazing artist. She has helped us a lot by painting the front entrance of the hostel. She created a big mural using colourful graphics and typography, listening to what our needs were. She… read more

(Excellent)

12 Sep 2022

Left by host for Workawayer ()

Amanda was an absolute pleasure to host. Easy going, kind and hard working. She was amazing with the children 💕 and with helping out around the house and with the animals. She designed and painted the most beautiful canvas for us. A very talented artist. 💕💕 thank you so much for everything you did for us and for our wonderful chats. We will really… read more

(Excellent)

29 Aug 2022

Left by Workawayer () for host (Help around the house and ...)

I stayed with Jean Paul (Paul) for 10 days. It was a great experience going back to basics and living off grid on top of a mountain with epic views to the Malaga coastline, on clear days you can see the coast of Africa. The sleeping arrangements for me were on a comfy sofa bed in the living area of Pauls wooden cabin, surrounded by books. (The… read more

(Excellent)

11 Aug 2022

Left by host for Workawayer ()

We love you Amanda, what a nice experience!! Everything was great, she is no more a workawayer here but a friend, thank you

(Excellent)

31 Jul 2022

Left by Workawayer () for host (Help with reclaiming, ...)

I stayed with Jan for 10 days. It was a great experience - sharing some English banter. I would describe Jan as a super host, kind, generous, open minded, funny, and thoughtful. I would thoroughly recommend her to any future workawayers. Each morning I would be greeted enthusiastically by the three dogs. Zippy, Colin and Esmeralda. Zippy is still… read more

(Excellent)

28 Jul 2022

Left by host (Help with reclaiming, ...) for Workawayer ()

Amanda stayed for about 2 weeks mural painting for me. She is a very talented artist in multiple methods of creativity. She was super nice company and helpful around the house. Anyone would be lucky to have her visit

(Excellent)

30 Jun 2022

Left by host for Workawayer ()

Amanda was amazing, she was able to adapt and fitting in a very thuff offgrid environment. She interact extremely well with the other guests. She was always kin to help out with all tasks kn daily life. Very creative, did an amazing mural on one of my caravan : truly professional piece of art.

Was a pleasure to host Amanda, hope she could come… read more

(Excellent)

18 Feb 2022

Left by Workawayer () for host (Cook vegan, organise my home, ...)

Info notice: Exchange was cancelled at last minute

(Host cancelled stay at the last minute)

21 Jan 2022

Left by host for Workawayer ()

Amanda has such a sunny personality. Warm, helpful and thoughtful. She genuinely cares for others.

She quickly talked through her ideas for clearing the land and within a very short time - got on With it. Within a few days you could see the Avocado, orange, lemon and fig trees, which were previously buried in thick bush. She primed and pruned… read more

(Excellent)

21 Jan 2022

Left by Workawayer () for host (Live off-grid surrounded by ...)

Lisa's place is a place of peace and tranquility. Surrounded by nature, fauna and giant tropical plants you would be crazy not to visit this incredible place. If you are an outdoors sort of person and don't mind life without electricity or mobile phones then come and spend time here to reconnect to your quiet self. The cabin was made of recycled… read more

(Very good)

13 Dec 2021

Left by host (Sustainable living, ...) for Workawayer ()

The expérience with Amanda was great, quick because of circumstances but it was good in general. Amanda is a nice and educated person who respects the house rules...........as you say who know if we are going to meet again.
It was a pleasure to meet you, see you soon.
Best regards Luis

(Excellent)

15 Nov 2021

Left by Workawayer () for host (Sustainable living, ...)

Luis’ place is stunningly tranquil, surrounded by green mountains and nature with a free flowing river going right under his house. The energy here is calm, balanced and flowing.

Luis is the kind of person who always has a big smile, and a belly full of laughter. He is passionate about different kinds of foods, ingredients, spices, fruit,… read more

(Excellent)

12 Nov 2021

Left by host for Workawayer ()

There are some people in the world who have the sun inside them. This is how I would describe Amanda. She has a presence about her that just brightens your world. It is not about beautiful smiles. It’s more about an internal being that sheds light and feels like the sun is on your face. It’s a calm energy of inner peace, confidence and self. She… read more is the kind of person that doesn’t want anything in return. Amanda came to the project in 2019 to connect with her creativeness and ended up staying throughout the covid situation, shedding her knowledge, wisdom and connecting with the energy here on Pico.

During her time here she created soooooo much artwork.
:-A mandala mural that encompasses the circle of life, palm frond sculptures, volcanic stone sculptures, mosaics from recycled pottery and ceramics. She painted recycled boards into cosmic artwork based on the cycles of the universe. She upcycled old furniture, painted chairs, tables and old items - giving them a new lease of life.

She built walls, cemented, plastered and painted the walls. She sanded and painted old doors. She spent time bringing the old wooden floors back to life using the sander and linseed oils. She even learnt how to plumb the water pipes - bringing hot water into the property.

She held several art workshops, offering the local people a chance to heal trauma through neurographics (an unconscious art process that allows the artist to release unwanted past traumas). She also offered a step by step painting workshop, whereby the students under her guidance painted a ‘cosmic dancer’, using their fingers to paint with. Amanda loved working with the ‘acrylic pouring techniques’, pouring and painting old kitchen tiles.
She also held a dream catcher workshop whereby the other volunteers learnt how to make dream catchers from old hula hoops, found materials such as shells, feathers and sea glass.

She cooked, tidied, cleaned and organised things so that the energy within the house was flowing once more.

Amanda gave her time to the garden, planting, gathering and harvesting organic foods. She is a wonderful vegetarian cook and can make a hearty nutritious meal from whatever is abundant in the moment.

Words cannot describe how delighted I was to have her presence here at the house and how much of her energy is still here at the house. Everywhere I look, I can see the love of Amanda’s creativity. She is calmly spiritual and wise. Offering ways to help you connect with your own inner being, without forcing it upon you. Amanda is also an energy healer and can help you release any unwanted physical pain, if you are willing to be open to the emotional blockage causing it.

I feel very blessed that our paths crossed at such an uncertain time with the world the way it is. If you are looking for the perfect workawayer for your project then look no further than with Amanda. She will leave you with a sense of reflection and unconditional love both for yourself and for anyone else who crosses her path. Wherever your journey takes you, I thank you with gratitude for being an awesome human with so much unconditional love for the world. We need more people like you - to make the world a better place.
Namaste - from my heart to yours. :)

(Excellent)

8 Nov 2021

Left by Workawayer () for host (Help with eco building and ...)

I stayed here at the house if Arte for a long time and really enjoyed the process from start to finish.

The project was about refurbishment, rebuilding, reloving this old house with its many problems.

My room was spacious, light and creative with old traditions used as much as possible. The floor was the original 150 year insenso wood and it… read more

(Excellent)

2 Nov 2021

Left by Workawayer () for host (Help create a sustainable ...)

I really loved being part of Tim’s Eco project. This was my first Workaway after a 3 year break. It was a blessing to be part of this experience on the beautiful island of Faial. My accommodation was a cosy cabin surrounded by orange trees and forested nature. 5 minute walk to the ocean with epic sunsets.

Tim is a very funny guy with a huge kind… read more

(Excellent)

1 Nov 2021

Left by host (Help create a sustainable ...) for Workawayer ()

Amanda was such a pleasure to have here. Amanda blended in seamlessly and her multitude of skills were an amazing blessing to have with us. From creating our vegetable garden to lava stone art and amazing meals etc. etc.....
Highly recommended and always welcome here in the Azores!
Tim

(Excellent)

26 Feb 2019

Left by host for Workawayer ()

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 Feb 2019

Left by Workawayer () for host (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 Jan 2019

Left by Workawayer () for host (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 Jan 2019

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

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 Oct 2018

Left by Workawayer () for host (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)

9 Oct 2018

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

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 Apr 2018

Left by host for Workawayer ()

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 Mar 2018

Left by Workawayer () for host (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 Mar 2018

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

Great experience. Loved being here.

(Very good)

19 Mar 2017

Left by host (Join a permaculture project ...) for Workawayer ()

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)

1 Mar 2017

Left by Workawayer () for host (Join a permaculture project ...)

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 Jul 2016

Left by Workawayer () for host (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 Sep 2014

Left by Workawayer () for host (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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