Louisville, KY

Printed with Permision- Amanda Matthews Fields www.wildhoneysuckle.com
Ptelea: Elm Hamadryad
Original or Very Limited Edition Bronze

Dryad: Spirit of Trees
Opening Reception with the Artist
Amanda Matthews Fields
Sunday, October 7, 2007
2pm-5pm
Spalding University Huff Art Gallery
853 Library Lane
Louisville, KY USA

Amanda Matthews Fields is a local artist whose work has been seen at shows, charity auctions, and private collections throughout the city. She has also been a part of exhibitions throughout the state and overseas. Recently, thousands of people saw her work on Earth Day at the Louisville Zoo. Water of Life was a 210 foot ephemeral environmental installation which included two multi-media sculptures that were created with recycled materials.

Dryad: Spirit of Trees will be Amanda’s first solo university show and her works will be exhibited in Spalding University’s Huff Gallery from September 30 to November 4, 2007. This show will feature Amanda’s new works that truly combine the artist’s talent, various media, and the spirit of the feminine and nature. Visit Amanda’s website at www.wildhoneysuckle.com to see all of her work, biography, and media reviews.

Amanda Matthews Fields’ Artist Statement
As a contemporary visual artist, I am interested in innovative combinations of sculpting and painting. I focus on natural elements and themes, which connect us to our environment. I believe the ‘human spirit’ and the ‘nature spirit’ are the same. My desire is to express the essence of our human relationship to nature in universally recognized ways; to cross the strata of class, status, race, religion, mythology - and touch emotions on a basic experiential level. I seek to create monuments and memorials that celebrate the perseverance, wisdom, love, laughter, greatness and connectedness of all humanity, as embodied by nature and the feminine spirit.

I incorporate wood, mortar, paint, steel, glass, plaster and other natural elements into my art. My work varies in size from small paintings and maquettes to large sculpture, bronze monuments, bas-relief architectural work, and environmental installations. I use recycled and reclaimed materials and further environmental and humanitarian efforts through my work whenever possible.

Amanda Matthews Fields
Artist/Owner
Wild Honeysuckle, LLC
4121 Shelbyville Rd., Suite 201-B
Louisville, KY 40207
502.592.3774

http://www.wildhoneysuckle.com/

Printed with Permision- Amanda Matthews Fields www.wildhoneysuckle.com
Theodore Turtle Outdoor Sculpture

Printed with Permision- Amanda Matthews Fields www.wildhoneysuckle.com
Bluegill Fish Sculpture

Amanda Matthews Fields, Wild Honeysuckle Art Studio, Spalding University, Huff Gallery, Dryad: Spirit of Trees

Anyone who has seen Meredith’s art cannot doubt the truth of her statement.
Reminiscent of Georgia O’Keefe and Monet, Meredith’s art is somehow more transcendent than O’Keefe’s, more tranquil than even Monet’s.

I have been to Giverny, the home of Monet, and walked through the gardens that were the subject of his paintings. And now, when I look at Meredith’s paintings, I believe that Monet painted his gardens for much the same reason that Meredith painted her flowers.

” I always use live flowers for my inspiration. It is so inspiring to see the flowers on their journey to open, and when they wilt, I love to bring them back to life with vibrant colors. ” -M. H.

The beauty of art is that it means different things to each individual. When I view Meredith’s work, I see strong themes of resurrection, tranquility, and the power of possibility that is inherent in each moment.

Perhaps her paintings are so powerful because Meredith’s flowers are rooted deeply in her spirituality.

“These paintings show the ways my life has blossomed in this city. I have had the privilege, support, supplies, time, will, and faith to enter the Louisville art community. I appreciate all the people in my life that have supported me in my creative endeavors. ” -M.H.

Meredith’s Art has been featured virtually all over Louisville. At Chez Moi Art Gallery, The Women’s Club of Louisville, Art for the Animals, Starbucks, League of Women Voters, and the Hopscotch House (Kentucky Foundation of Women), just to name a few in her long list of credits.

With all of these showings it is hard to believe that Meredith would have time for anything else.

Hayden is truly a rare bloom however, because not only is she devoted to her own art, but she is devoted to teaching the beauty and possibility of art to the younger generation as well.

Meredith is bringing the flower of her mission to bloom in a big way by working for Young Rembrandts here in Louisville.

When I asked her to tell me about it she said:
“Young Rembrandts is an after-school program in which we teach how basic shapes the kids already know can be put together to create a masterpiece. We teach art history, and art terms that many of the children need to know for their standardized tests in school.”

“The thing I like the most about Young Rembrandts is that I am constantly learning as I watch the students grow and improve. “

Heartbreakingly beautiful, Meredith’s flowers are poised in the very moment of their glory, perfectly painted, perfectly tranquil.

But there is so much more to her paintings than that. She paints with a clarity of purpose, and a skill that will not soon be forgotten.

If you would like to view more of Meredith’s works, her paintings are on display at Heine Brothers Coffee House at 2200 Bardstown Road “Douglass Loop” now through September 5th 2007.

There will be a special Reception held on August 22, 6-8 PM.