Interview

Jul 2

Amanda Heenan

Amanda Heenan is a Scottish artist working primarily in watercolour and charcoal, creating emotionally expressive, intuitive pieces inspired by the natural world - birds, flowers, landscapes, light. Amanda also loves to express the stories of people through portraiture. Her art practice re-emerged after a serious health crisis, becoming a vital part of her healing and spiritual journey. With a background in social justice and inclusion, she now offers Art for Healing - a project blending creative expression with care, including custom commissions and workshops. Her work reflects a deep belief in the power of creativity, alongside love, as a force for personal and collective renewal.

What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?

“My background is in the field of equality, diversity and inclusion as a practitioner and consultant. Social justice is a guiding light in this work, especially when that light seems elusive, it's always there as a beacon, I have a law masters in UK and EU equality and employment law. I also have lived experience of being disabled and have chronic and progressive health conditions, which makes me a too frequent flyer for ambulances and hospitals. Art has been a profound healing and comforting force in my life, enabling me to transcend the distress and challenges of ill health. Recently, I faced a significant health crisis - spending ten days in ICU, often hovering between life and death. In those long hours of uncertainty, especially during moments of lucidity, I found solace in watching YouTube videos, particularly from watercolour artists. These soothing visual havens transported me to places filled with light, colour, and joy. I was especially inspired by Kirsty Rice, whose joy and playfulness acted as a tonic, helping me reconnect with painting once I returned home.
My journey into the world of art began about a decade ago when I supported a colleague (the amazing and talented Roya Pourali) leading an art and wellbeing project for individuals who had experienced various traumas and mental health challenges. Initially there to help, I quickly realised my colleague had everything covered. I found myself seated at the table, paintbrush in hand, obediently following instructions. What followed was nothing short of magical - I fell in love with painting. I eagerly purchased paints and canvases, dedicated myself to learning techniques, and embraced the many mistakes that come with being an amateur. Each moment was filled with joy, often revealing surprising creations that seemed to flow from an unknown place within me. Art has provided crucial support through the physical and emotional challenges I’ve faced over the years, becoming an integral part of my healing and spiritual journey. My artwork feels like it originates from a deep, unexplainable source within and beyond me. While this creative flow has ebbed and flowed with life’s rhythms, I’m thrilled to say it’s fully alive now.”

What inspires you?

“Living in Scotland, I am surrounded by the beauty of the natural world, whether that is on my doorstep (I love my daily trundle around our 'block' with our two dogs, Skye and Cookie and taking in nature unfolding across the seasons), or whether it is visiting the breathtaking nature that is so prevalent in Scotland. I'm also inspired by photography that captures a moment in nature and that shows the stories of people from around the world.”

What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?

“I feel that while I am painting, a piece I connect with the subjects in the piece, almost as if I am seeing through their eyes, or walking alongside them - it's as if I can see their beauty in an amplified way. It is a thrilling process that is also very healing. I love to capture light and shade, that contrast is enthralling to me. I hope that my work conveys the peace, love and light that I feel as I paint.”

How would you describe your work?

“I find it so easy to describe my process and what inspires my, but my work - I would leave that to others to describe! I love to paint a wide variety of subjects and scenes - be they landscapes, pollinators, flowers, animals, portraits - all with the same process of reveling in, and amplifying their beauty.”

Which artists influence you most?

“Turner has always drawn and fascinated me. I also love the work of Gustave Klimt - heightened sensuousness in every sense. More recently I've come to know and love the work of Ilya Ibraev and Sarah Stokes - I love their very different styles and have learned so much from them.”

“I feel that while I am painting, a piece I connect with the subjects in the piece, almost as if I am seeing through their eyes, or walking alongside them - it's as if I can see their beauty in an amplified way.”

What is your creative process like?

“I have already described the emotional part of it, I also love the ‘technical’ part of it. Setting up my ‘art studio’ which is also our kitchen table, so it needs to be a quick and clean turnaround. I love dreaming about what I'm going to be painting, and I've learned now to do a quick pencil sketch before I start to get a sense of placement and perspective and tonal values. I also (usually) do a very outline plan - I find when I do, the piece turns out better than when I don't! I very much enjoy the other ‘set up’ task of masking off the edge of my paper, and appreciate the duty that simple task does in preserving a crisp white edge, regardless of whatever intensity/flows have happened to the piece in the process.”

What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?

“I don’t see creativity as a distraction from the cruelty and chaos of the world. I see creativity - however it bubbles up - like love, as one of the most powerful forces we have to imagine and build something better. Right now, connection seems to be so craved be people and at the same time many have forgotten that we are all interconnected - to each other and to nature. I feel that artist's creativity draws out that connection. I also believe there is something freeing in being creative that is liberating personally and collectively. I think that now more than ever, this should be nurtured and celebrated.”