Feature Artist: Amadea Zuri Setian
Meet Amadea Zuri Setian, a young artist that began her career at the astounding age of about 17 months! Amadea has kept painting with boundless joy and passion since then. Amadea enjoys painting with acrylic, oil, watercolor and ink. It is her way of expressing her understanding of the world around her, in color and creativity. Amadea’s work can be seen at exhibitions around the world and online at her website.
Besides her passion for the graphic arts, Amadea enjoys playing her own compositions on the piano, and is currently studying the violin.
Despite her very young age, Amadea possesses a rare maturity in understanding of color uniformity and consistency. She will definitely be an Artist to follow closely for the years to come.
At a young age, why and how did you get into painting?
My parents told me that when I was 17 months old, attending a Montessori preschool, the preschool teacher approached my dad and showed him my first painting.
This teacher was so excited from her discovery, she wanted to make sure our family paid close attention to my art skills. My dad drove straight to a frame shop, framed my first artwork, and happily shared with our family what took place.
Some years later, my mom published her book “Does God Have a Bicycle?” (currently available on amazon) using my paintings as illustrations for it. And the journey continued…
What art trends inspire your current artwork?
I get my inspirations from nature. Nature is my source of colors, shapes, and designs. Nature is so perfect, offering infinite options, I love learning from it.
How has your style changed over time?
My passion to express vividness of colors, and the harmony of their flow has not changed.
What has changed is my mind, since it is maturing over time. I perceive things differently, and the expression of my art reflects what I see.
Artist’s Website: Amadea Zuri Setian Website
What are your favorite part of painting process?
All of it. When I paint, I become one with my brush, we do things together. That process is special to me.
Is there a specific environment or material that’s integral to your work?
I had fun painting with different types of media. They each offer their own value; one does not substitute the other. I have painted with watercolor, pastels, chalk, acrylic. At this point I enjoy oils and acrylic.
What factors influence your painting?
An Inner guidance from within.
Artist Amadea Zuri Setian
Who is your art role model?
My mom. She paints beautifully, I love her work. She teaches me a lot.
How do you collaborate with other artists?
Up to now, I have worked independently. I respect everyone’s art. We are here not to compete; we are here to express our talents, like different varieties of trees, they each have their value.
Do your other interests influence your art?
Yes, I love hiking in nature. It has a large influence on my mind and my artwork.
Describe the best piece of art you’ve created?
My most favorite work is “Symphony in blue”. I created “Symphony in blue” painting during covid lockdowns. Lockdowns gave me extra time to paint, which made me very happy. My paintings then allowed me to share that happiness with others. Quoting my mom, “We have lots of power to help others in many different ways, it just needs to be activated.”
How has your family and education helped you in your art?
Our family is very supportive of my work. They love me and guide me when I need help. Dad enjoys sharing pictures of my artworks with his friends. When I was 9 years old, the owner of the “Gallery Amsterdam” in Carmel by the Sea Tony Vanderploeg discovered my art through my dad and began representing and selling my work until his very recent passing. Tony became like a family member; he was supportive, gentle, and kind.
Tell us about the “Kareno” fashion line and your involvement with them?
Kareno is a luxury fashion brand that launched their collection incorporating my art patterns in their world class designs. The founder is a very talented entrepreneur, he created a unique collection to inspire people to live their lives in color. Their collection can be found at www. kareno.com
How do you balance your personal life and your art practice?
My mom says, “one day at a time”. I follow that guidance.
What can we expect from your next collection of paintings?
My goal is to spread joy through my paintings. Whatever my next painting may be, spreading happiness with my work is the direction I intent to take. GR8T
