We had the good fortune of connecting with Amanda Zappler and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amanda, what matters most to you?
For me, kindness is the most important principle. I believe that it is my responsibility to contribute to and actively create ethical and moral harmony in the world in order to produce a just and functioning society. It is my belief that through cultivating an ethical personal life I can attempt to influence society. If living with integrity on a personal level is what is needed for a ethical framework on a societal level, then I am obligated to do so. I feel that kindness is a guide for all behavior. I also feel that we must extend kindness and compassion to all living things.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My Background: My name is Amanda Zappler. I have thrived on being creative since an early age and pursued knowledge about techniques and tools for artist expression which have been gifts throughout my life. I am inspired by everyday existence and enjoy bringing beauty into the world. I use art as a means of self-expression. I paint to better understand my reality, and to express my interpretation of the world around me. I also create art to open the unexplored world- a place for curious self-expression, but also a world of new relationships, new chances, new beginnings, and most importantly new stories. What excites me and makes me proud: I get excited by color, always!! I have been blessed with opportunities to tell stories about people who have been marginalized by their differences. I am most proud of being asked to contribute illustrations to two books written by amazing people with abilities that set them apart. I have had the distinct pleasure of illustrating personal histories presented as juvenile literature for a runner with Down Syndrome and an artist with Autism. How did I get where I am today: Through hours and hours of hard work. I have loved every minute, but make no mistake-work has happened! I am always striving to improve my skill sets as an artist though practice and experimentation. I am not an extrovert and have to put great effort into the sales side of being an artist. Talking to people about my art and promoting the business of my art are much more difficult for me than creating art. Lessons learned: Keep trying- things that are worthwhile rarely come without effort and failure along the way Stay focused- even when life derails plans, I have learned to keep my eye on the overarching goal. One might have to take a new route to get to the same destination. My message: There is immeasurable pleasure (for me) derived from painting and drawing. A unique sentiment is inscribed into each image I create. I present my thoughts and feelings of and about this world through the filter of color and whimsy. I manipulate pigment and media to showcase my ideas and dreams and transform them through pattern and texture. I wish for my art to convey a sense of hopefulness and joy. I experience so much pleasure from painting that it is my desire to pass a bit of this along to the viewer. I believe that art should be accessible to everyone; the visual, conceptual and financial attributes of my work reflect this passion. I create art to share. When a piece of my art work brings a smile to someone as they pass by, I feel that I have been successful!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Well…. a few months ago, I would have had a list in my back pocket which contained favorite restaurants, museums, galleries, festivals and outdoor spaces in the Central Texas area. Now, I would encourage my friends to spend time with me out of doors in natural settings which allowed us to hike, swim, picnic and bicycle. Fortunately, I live in a place which is home to urban and rural opportunities! Some of my favorite local outdoor venues are: Enchanted Rock Krausse Springs Buescher State Park Blue Hole Lady Bird Lake Hamilton Pool

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my amazing family! My loved ones keep me buoyed and on track.

Website: www.arteparalavida.info
Instagram: www.instagram.com/arte_para_la_vida
Facebook: www.facebook.com/arteparalavida1/