By Steve Cooke
This the first in a series that will shine a light on some of the artists who took part in Cartwheel Arts’ Collaborate Project.
Amanda Beck-McKim, Wired and Wild creator, a textile artist and puppet maker, who for 20 years has inspired children to be creative. Such as a sensory, magical exhibition that inspires children to want to explore, with a menagerie of wonderful creatures for them to engage with.
“I am passionate about bringing my characters to life, telling their stories and creating an experience that brings my love of art and nature together to create something unique, fresh and exciting for children.”
I asked Amanda what Collaborate means to her, “Collaborate means working with someone to spark ideas, being open to where this may lead. Working on a joint project that can either run alongside or create a finished piece. It’s great to be able to bounce ideas of each other especially when you don’t have the same human contact.”
What is she up to now? “I have been working on a Covid life series of digital urban life sketches in contrast to the virtual nature walk I did on the collaborate project, kind of like an archive of these strange times, bank and school drop off queues, people wearing masks on public transport. I plan to develop this work and hope to make these into an artist book or exhibition.”
“I have also been working on activity art packs and videos for people who are isolating for mental health arts charity Arc in Stockport and the new year I will be doing zoom art sessions with young carers.”
Amanda was recently commissioned a commission by musician Kious for an EP cover.
As we all start looking forward to the future Amanda shares her thoughts about, as an artist, what she would like the ‘new normal’ to be, “I actually feel that my work has had some time to develop during this time, I miss the face to face time with people although hope some of the new skills I’ve learnt will broaden my horizons. I hope to be able to balance my workshops so there is more time for my own practise and utilise some of my skills like making activity videos, zoom lessons and networking online. I think most people have learned to really notice what’s around them and reflect what’s important. I hope there will be a new appreciation for the arts as a way of reflecting this.”
Have a look for yourself at mcrblogs.co.uk/wiredandwild on Instagram Amanda Beck-Mckim or Facebook Wired and Wild