Issue VII Cover

"Out of the Forest I Come" was loosely inspired by the poem "Little Red Cap" by Carol Ann Duffy and by conversations that I had with the model about what it is to be an artist. Specifically, I was drawn to the last line of the poem—"Out of the forest I come with flowers, singing, all alone." It made me think about how we can grow from moments of struggle.  In the painting, the model has morning glory vines, also called bindweed, wrapped around her.  Despite being restrained by the flowers, she continues on with a sense of determination.

Amanda Greive graduated with a bachelor’s degree in visual arts from the University of Illinois at Springfield in 2008 and has exhibited her work both locally and nationally. She has exhibited her work at RJD Gallery in Bridgehampton, NY, SCOPE NYC, LA Art Show, Rehs Contemporary in New York City, Arcadia Contemporary in Los Angeles, Copro Gallery in Santa Monica, CA, and Abend Gallery in Denver.  Most recently, she was a finalist in the 2017 Figurativas exhibit in Barcelona, and a Rehs Contemporary Award winner in the 13th ARC International Salon.  Her studio is located in Central Illinois.