Artists We Love: Amy Ayanda

INTERVIEWED BY Michaela Stehr IMAGES Danielle Smith

We spoke to Cape Town-based artist Amy Ayanda in 2020 about her works. We decided to follow up with her and see how things have changed since then. She gives us insight into her new studio, her exploration with oil paints and the arrival of twins.

It’s been a few years since we last caught up. What has changed for you since then?

Many things have changed; I gave birth to twins and am now a mother of three. Juggling this while trying to grow my business hasn’t been such an easy feat but I have slowly begun to find my footing, with many helping hands to support me. I also started working with oils more in 2021 and have brought it into my practice, which I am really enjoying. 

Where are you currently creating?

I have a great studio at home; I moved back into a home studio when I was about to give birth as I knew I wouldn’t be able to commute to work with newborn twins. We moved into my childhood home recently except now I am here with my family. It has been a beautiful circular experience, coming home and creating where I once played as a child. 

How has life influenced your style since our last interview?

Life is busy, to say the least. I have managed to find a good rhythm postpartum and have since launched two collections. Obviously, my time is more limited; there is a lot more intention when I go into the studio. The collections which I have launched are a lot more considered and take longer to get out; which can be a good thing but doesn’t always lend itself to much time for play, which is where I think my work thrives. I have been painting with oils more recently, more whites and impasto mark making. 

Do you have any cool projects on the go currently?

I have recently gotten a space at Side Street Studios on Albert Road in Woodstock. It is on the ground floor with big open windows so you can peek right in at all the magic. The space is now my showroom and store where I sell my work. It is also where I meet clients if they want to have a commission piece created. I love painting from home but I have always wanted a more professional space where I can operate and run the store from. I have worked hard and it feels good to see that hard work pay off. You can book an appointment to view my work at [email protected]

Can you tell us how your music is going and how your art and your music connect?

Music is slow but I have somehow found time to write while I rehearse now and then. I have also been taking lessons in production (an evening online class while the babies are all asleep) which allows me to record anything I write to make demos. I will take these into the studio when I finally get my life together to go record. We are also setting dates to rehearse as a full band again which is honestly just a lot of fun being together in the same room again playing music. 

Are there any new or up-and-coming local artists we need to keep an eye on?

Marolize Southwood has her exhibition launching this Thursday at 99 Loop which I am excited to check out. I am also really in love with Lichen and Leaf’s new range created under Gwynn Studios, really excited to purchase one of her amazing pieces. 

What does a regular (LOL what is regular) day look like for you?

Well, I am up all odd hours of the morning with babies waking up but they usually settle again with some milk. If we are lucky we get a good six-hour stretch. Breakfast time is 6:30 unless we are lucky enough to sleep in! I drop Frances at school and either head to the gym or if I have an early appointment I head to the new office. I order any prints that need ordering, send out any shipments that need shipping. I leave the office around 2 and go to collect Frances from school, it leaves me with time to start on some afternoon painting. I make myself a cup of tea/coffee (depending on how hectic the day has been) and start painting until 4 pm. Our nanny goes home and I start dinner or order in depending on my energy levels. We eat dinner together around 5:30, we bath the twins and get them into bed by 6:30. Once they are down with their milk I get the dog and we go walk for half an hour. Get home, evening paint session, shower, bed by 9:30/10:30. 

Do your children share your passion for art?

Frances loved building things, she loves to paint too but her concentration really sits with cutting and glueing and making truly incredible little inventions from nothing. Atlas and Jude are still very much in their throwing and putting things in mouth phase so it’s way too soon to tell.

Does your art still have strong maternal and familial themes?

I am always returning to the same subject matter. There is a lot that is not constant in my life but returning to familiar themes always seem to ground me, it’s something I won’t ever perfect but will change and grow as I do throughout my life as a creator. 

What are your goals for the next year?

To study again, and to grow more flowers. 

Visit Amy’s website here and follow her on Instagram @amyayanda.

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