Tabula Rasa Studio

Tabula Rasa Studio in Trinidad, CO is the private studio of printmaker, painter, and multi-faceted artist Amanda Palmer, where she creates her own original work across disciplines, focused on craftsmanship, exploration, and her distinct artistic voice. I feel the power of spirit in animals, plants, and the surrounding world… and understand a connection to all things through this shared and unique

spiritual essence. I find myself working to portray the soul of the creatures I witness – often with a sense of humor and appreciation for the distinct characteristics I see in each. It is important to me to imbue my work with humor, appreciation and love. Magritte said, “…what matters in art is to express charm... I live in a very disagreeable world, and my work is meant as a counter-offensive.” I have always been compelled to portray joy and wonder in my work. I feel a deep connection to my ancestral roots and my family and personal history. This connection is frequently reinforced to me through my interactions with the natural world, animals and birds. Those who have left me speak to me through the eyes of a raven and the calls of flying birds. My imagery is a storytelling ritual portraying the scene around me imbued with mythic meaning and humor. Deeply personal, my images are open to become everyone's story, a shared experience in love with the natural world, wonder and mystery. My imagery comes to me through my appreciation of the natural world, history and my own unique experiences. I am driven to create/recreate the things I see because they stir my spirit… I seek a glimpse into the souls of our world, past and present, through my wanderings and I hope to effectively portray them in my work. One of my goals is to express the flashes of wonder I experience in and from the natural world and human power sites such as ancient ruins – to convey the force of the wind, flora, fauna – and the underlying spirit that touches our hearts when we spend long hours in nature.

As an expression of my love of the processes and transformative power of creating art I have enjoyed teaching and sharing my knowledge with young and old. Over the years I have trained myself to teach other artists and aim to inspire others to discover the creativity innate in themselves. I am a practicing artist who has expanded my art making beyond the studio into participatory engagement with different people in different settings. I lead young people and adults in creative experiences that deepen their understanding and engagement with the world around them and with their own creative fire.