Drawing Voice: Amanda Sawyer in Momentum Spotlight

Amanda Sawyer, Stillwater

Amanda Sawyer, Divinum, Pen and ink, 9.5x13", 2012

Developing 20 new drawings, Amanda Sawyer received the Spotlight award for Momentum Tulsa and will debut her project “vocem” on October 13.

Sawyer said, “My work consists of improvisational drawings taken from traditional Christian folklore, animalistic or organic forms such as vines, horns, teeth and bone, and manmade objects of restrictive clothing, elements of industry and symbols of class.” This body of work addresses her concerns about legislation on women’s health and working rights. Sawyer said she feels more strongly about the personal impact of policies now as a new mother of a daughter. 

Sawyer said she expects viewers to meet her work with emotion due to their intensity. She carefully considers the style and scale of her work to maximize the way it is viewed. She employs “extensive detail... to reflect the many complicated components of the issues at hand” and “small size to invite the viewer to remain in a physically close proximity in order to translate a sense of intimacy.”

Sawyer received her BFA from Oklahoma State University in 2010 and has shown her work around the state. Watch this video to learn more about Sawyer's work.  You also can  see this article in our Art Focus Oklahoma magazine for more about all three Momentum Tulsa Spotlight projects.

Momentum Tulsa opens October 13, 8-midnight with a ticketed event full of music and performances.  Curated by Raechell Smith from H & R Block Art Space at the Kansas City Art Institute and emerging curator Laura Reese, the exhibition continues at Living Arts of Tulsa, 307 E Brady with free gallery hours through October 25.