Model Turned Artist Amanda Leemis
A Model Turned Artist
Brooklyn based artist, Amanda Leemis was born in Germantown, Tennessee in 1991. After graduating from Indiana University in 2013, she became a professional model and traveled the world. Leila met Amanda at Wilhelmina Dubai, and was really excited about having her do a desert photoshoot which she felt would really compliment her amazing portfolio. Amanda found inspiration throughout her travels and began painting her view of the entertainment industry. You’ll find that she creates many works depicting unique characters with a wide range of materials.
Greatest inspirations or influences Amanda?
My list of inspirations is so long!
My family is constantly making me laugh and bringing me inspiration. I don’t get to see them very often, but when I do, I always feel uplifted. I have a strong faith in my incredible creator, and God brings me inspiration at the most unusual times.
Literature heavily influences my lense of the world, authors like Mary Shelley, Bram Stoker, Michael Crichton, Daniel Handler, and Fyodor Dostoyevsky, impact my own writing and artwork.
The most influential artist to me is Van Gogh, the most influential illustrator is Brett Helquist.
Tell us some highlights from your time as a model and when did you get into art.
The reason I became a model was to travel and I have been to some incredible places! My most memorable moments include watching the Whirling Dervishes in Istanbul, walking the same streets as Van Gogh in Montmartre, shooting in the vast desert in Dubai, and hanging out with the best people in South Africa. I took a few Studio Art classes in high school and college. When I found myself based in NYC for a long time period, I began to experiment with ink and colored pencil, and things just took off from there. I couldn’t stop!
How would you describe your art and visual identity?
My artwork is heavily influenced by the modeling industry and the interactions I have with different people while traveling. This is why I love drawing faces. My work is very much about people, their thoughts, actions, and emotions.
How did you end up working on a children's book with your mom?
My Mom, Charise Leemis, is a teacher of 2-year-olds! She would tell her class about the dog we had when I was growing up, Holly, and the little ones kept asking for more and more stories. Eventually, my Mom had the idea of creating a Children’s Book and asked me to illustrate it! “My Hollydog” is now available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble! It’s the best thing ever to have my mom as an artistic partner!
Favourite websites, social media handles,etc
We'd love to hear about your time teaching dance to children as well.
Teaching ballet to the kids of the Vrygrond Township was challenging, amazing, and a learning experience. I absolutely loved it when the kids would run up to me showing off their pliés and tendues. It was challenging teaching in an environment that has no barre, a concrete floor, and sneakers instead of ballet shoes, but seeing the kids smile when they got to learn new moves made everything worth it!
Anything else you'd like to share Amanda?
I create to survive.
Thank you Amanda!