Meet Amanda Costa Marino | Artist & Night Observer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Amanda Costa Marino and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amanda, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
“I often think that the night is more alive and more richly colored than the day.” Vincent Van Gogh. To me, this quote speaks on many levels. It is taken literally since I do in fact, see so many colors uniquely found in the night. But it is also taken metaphorically since life has shown to be very different than what meets the eyes. Often, our darkest nights are the reason for our brightest days. This quote by Van Gogh is heavily carried with me as an artist and as a human. I believe it is clearly shown in my art, since my main subject itself, is the night sky, dark moody days, as well as the unseen things of this universe. As far as an affirmation, I remind myself that only I can do what I do. We are all looking for meaning to the things we feel passionate about or the things we want to pursue. The purpose sometimes can simply be “because I can and only I can” It’s humbling to know that I can not do what my neighbors are doing, I can only do what I can do. I can only be real to the things I am curious about, to the passions I have, and to the art I create. This is an extremely important affirmation for me, since today, it is very easy to think that there’s no space for another artist and someone is always more capable than you.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m very happy at the stage I am in today, as an artist. I know that there’s much yet for me to learn, and just when I think I’ve found my own style, it naturally changes. I have no other way to describe it, except as a natural thing. We must always make sure that we are growing, and I would hate to be stuck, just because of a “style” that sets me apart. My art is explorative, I’m always trying new ways and mediums. My art comes first from a thought, a curiosity, and sometimes from wild dreams. I am only in my twenties, I can’t even imagine what it’ll look like in forty years, but I pray that it isn’t the same. Not because I don’t appreciate what I am creating today, but because we all must continue to grow. It’s so easy to panic and forget that even though we are not guaranteed tomorrow, we can take things at our own pace. I paint slowly, I mess up a lot, and I restart (multiple times) the same painting. To be acknowledged as a professional artist was extremely difficult, but mainly because of my own fault. You can’t expect others to view you in a way that you don’t view yourself. Anytime anyone asked me what I’ve been up to or what I do for a living, I would find myself stuttering and trying to explain myself. Since being an artist, in the beginning, felt a lot like being unemployed. It wasn’t until I changed my mindset, that I started to grow. I invested in learning how to run a business since unfortunately, this isn’t something we are taught as an art student. I continued to invest in myself, my art, and worked around the clock like a full-time job, but with many more requirements. I’ll tell you, making and selling art is real work. One lesson I learned and I would like for every artist to remember is: You make art for yourself first. Always. Some will love it, some will hate it, but you must be obsessed with it.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If a friend was coming to visit, I’d tell them to come during our “winter”. Which isn’t much like winter at all. I love being outdoors, although I’m not a fan of the Florida heat. Florida is filled with so many magical spots, for a whole week, I’d like to show them the different places and experiences you can have in this state. Starting with a drive to keys and then slowly making our way back up north to see all of the Florida springs, caves, and greenery. We’d of course explore the West Palm Beach and lake worth area since this is where I am the most. On a normal week, I spend a lot of time at our local coffee shop; Common Grounds, and eating sushi at the best local Japanese restaurant in LakeWorth: Sushi Bon. I’d definitely bring them to these spots.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I can not speak of support without speaking of my wonderful husband — Daniel Steven Marino. There’s absolutely no way that I could have done this without him. I get anxious, overwhelmed, and work myself up very often. He is there every time with the right words and so much love to give. He has always pushed me out of my comfort zone, but also gave me time and space for me to figure things out on my own. To this day, even after very difficult moments as an artist, he continues to believe that everything that I pursue is always possible. I’m also very thankful for all of my good friends and of course, my family. My circle is very small, and I love it. I know I can trust them, and they trust me. A good support system is absolutely needed, and I’m so fortunate to have a beautiful group of loved ones.

Website: amandacmarino.com
Instagram: amandacmarino
Other: I make watercolor paints form natural pigments and explore colors over at @luawatercolors