Amanda Black of Black Owl Creative: Nature-Inspired Art & Needle Felting Workshops in Fort Wayne
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Amanda Black of Black Owl Creative: Nature-Inspired Art & Needle Felting Workshops in Fort Wayne
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Amanda Black: Where Nature, Art, and Creativity Meet |
6 with the Scoop: Celebrating the heart of Fort Wayne’s local art community |
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Meet Amanda Black of Black Owl Creative
Fort Wayne’s art scene is bursting with creativity, but few artists blend science, nature, and hands-on craftsmanship quite like Amanda Black, the creative force behind Black Owl Creative. Amanda’s work is deeply inspired by the natural world; from the woods she grew up exploring to the wildlife she continues to teach others about today. Through her needle felting, watercolor, and wet felting workshops, Amanda helps people rediscover their creativity, connect with nature, and experience the joy of making something beautiful with their own hands. |
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How did your art journey begin, and what led you to start your business?
I started drawing at a very young age and always tried to draw animals as realistically as possible. I was raised on a small hobby farm surrounded by woods so I spent a lot of time around animals and nature. I went to college to be a biology teacher, but I kept finding myself trying to tie art into what I was doing because I never lost my love for being creative. I did graphic design for a while, but got burned out on working with computers because I really love to work with my hands, feel the different materials, and learn to use different tools and techniques. I have been working in outdoor education for the past several years, and selling my art on the side during the winter when outdoor education is slow. I am becoming more and more interested in getting people to make art because I realize how good it is for me and I want to share that feeling with others. I even put up a mini art gallery (like a free little library) in front of my house, and my neighborhood eagerly participates. My favorite part of my job is teaching people about nature and I didn't want to stop doing that to be a full time artist, but I realized that I can do both at the same time. All of my art is nature-based because that's what inspires me, and I believe that knowing your subject deeply helps you create more meaningful art. So at my workshops, I teach you how do create a nature-inspired project, while also teaching you scientific facts about the subject!
What inspired you to start teaching needle felting workshops?
I discovered artistic wool felting in 2018 and became instantly obsessed with it! Wool is such a fun, natural, renewable medium to work with and the possibilities seem endless. I keep meeting people who have still never heard of felting, so I want to teach others about it and hope they find as much joy in it as I do! There is needle felting and wet felting, which are utilized in different ways but some projects use both, and they are both a lot of fun to try. It can be overwhelming for someone to buy supplies for something they know nothing about, just to try it out, so I want to offer people the materials, tools, and tutorial with no long term commitment or money wasted on something they might never pick up again.
What do you love most about creating and sharing your art with the Fort Wayne community?
Fort Wayne has an amazing art community that people notice and want to be a part of! I love how so many people here love to try new things and visit new places. However, I do hear a lot of people say "I love art, but I'm not creative" or "I'm not a real artist", and I want to show those people that ANYONE can create art, and just by "trying" to create something, you ARE being creative, and that act is healthy for you and for society! Creating something that didn't exist before, no matter how small it is or how little time you spend doing it, makes you learn and grow, whether you realize it or not! Being creative is part of being a human being, and I want everyone to be in touch with that part of their humanity. It is grounding and meditative. It gets you out of your usual thought patterns and trains your brain to think in new ways. It helps you express your thoughts and emotions without words, and shows the world what you think is important. Your uniqueness matters in this world, and you can show it to the world through your art. |
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Can you tell us a little about your upcoming workshops and what people can expect?
I have needle felting, wet felting, and watercolor workshops coming up at different locations! Some are in my private studio, some are at Salomon Farm Park, some are at The Build Guild, and some are at Giving Gardens of Indiana in Columbia City. I also do private parties and enrichment programs at schools and senior centers. You can see my schedule of workshops on my website and there are registration links in the details for those that are open. You can expect 2 hours of fun creating something with a nature theme, sprinkled with fun facts about the subject we are studying, and at the end you take home a project to be proud of, some new knowledge, and hopefully a greater appreciation for nature and art!
What’s one memorable or meaningful moment you’ve experienced through your art?
I love doing demonstrations for people who have never heard of needle felting before. I had a booth at the Fall Harvest Festival at Salomon Farm Park recently, and let dozens of children and adults try out needle felting at my table. I love to watch people experience for the first time the satisfying crunch of the needle going through the wool and into the foam block. Their eyes light up, and they don't want to stop!
How can people best support you; whether by attending a class, following your work, or sharing it with friends?
Book a private party with me for a unique craft night with friends, follow my Facebook page, or share my website with anyone you might think would be interested! I appreciate the support of the Fort Wayne community, and I'm also willing to travel. |
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Upcoming Workshops
Needle Felting Workshop: 2D Mushrooms
Needle Felting Workshop: 3D Mushrooms 🛍️ Explore Amanda’s art and creations on her Etsy store: AmandaBlackArt
🎨 Watercolor Class with Amanda Black 🗓️ Next Class: Thursday, November 20
🌐 Visit her website for workshop details: www.AmandaBlack.art |
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About 6 with the Scoop
At 6 with the Scoop, we believe every local story deserves its' moment in the spotlight. Each month, we send 6 questions to a small business owner, artist, or community organization to learn what inspires them. Six questions, one heartfelt conversation at a time. Our mission is simple: to celebrate the passion, creativity, and hometown pride that make Fort Wayne such a vibrant place to live, work, and create.
Cheers, |
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