About
Art as a Way of Life
My name is Antonia, also known as Amja, a name formed from the initials of the names my mother gave me, in the order they were given, and reclaimed as part of my journey back to self after my experience of domestic abuse. Amja represents both ancestry and autonomy; it reminds me that even in moments of loss, we can reimagine ourselves into possibility.
Amja with her art at Sands End Art And Community Centre, Hammersmith and Fulham
Art, for me, is a way of life, a language that reaches beyond words and connects the parts of us that still know how to play, how to feel, how to hope, and how to trust. Through my work, I channel that energy of becoming to help others re-imagine their stories, their power, and the lives they want to live and love.
“Self-love is the precursor to your greatest love.”
My pieces celebrate vulnerability, freedom, courage and reclamation while honouring the innocent wisdom of the inner child; the part of us that paints before thinking and loves before doubting.
Each work of art becomes both mirror and message: offering Support when words fail, inviting Spirituality through creation, nurturing Security through expression, and returning us to Self-Love — the centre of all becoming.
My Story of Becoming
Amja “Touching Freedom”, a celebration of becoming
I had always been creative, but I had never intentionally called myself an artist, until Advance invited me to join a project for women who had experienced domestic abuse, guided by visual and performance artist Rachel Gadsden. I recognised that invitation as an offering, and I took it.
That “yes” became the start of my reclamation. Painting helped me listen to my inner child and soothe the parts of me silenced by coercive control — what I call The Intangible Proof of Domestic Abuse.
Amja at University of Westminster after guest speaking for the National Federation of Women’s Institute's' "No More Violence Against Women" campagine. Photo: Lewis Patrick
My first piece, Perception, became a visual anthem of truth and transformation, marking the birth of Amja Unabashedly. It was through that piece that I came to understand something I often say now:
“Surviving to thriving is the art of conscious awareness.”
Amja with her artwork "Perception" The first painting. A reclaiming of truth, vulnerability and inner Security. At Sands End Art and Community Centre, Hammersmith and Fulham.
Amja in the studio creating the life she wants to live and love.
When we become consciously aware, we begin to create with intention, not from the wound, but from the wisdom it revealed.
The Frameworks That Emerged
From that process came the Self-Soothing Creative Steps (SSCS™) — Support, Self-Love, Spirituality, Security — a framework that mirrors how I reclaimed myself through art.
Alongside it grew the companion rhythm, Hydrate, Affirm, Adorn™, born from my daily grounding practices:
- 💧 Hydrate for clarity and nourishment
- 💬 Affirm for strength
- 🌸 Adorn for joy
These are more than steps; they are gestures that keep me anchored in gratitude and forward-thinking in the becoming. Every sip, every word, every colour is a quiet act of faith, a moment to, as I like to say:
“Kiss the universe and tell her thank you for the gifts yet to come.”
Together, they form the heartbeat of everything I create.
Community and Continuity
My connection with Advance and later with Woman’s Trust, where I now serve as an Ambassador, reminds me that creativity is most powerful when shared. Community remains a living thread through every exhibition, workshop, and conversation I hold.
Support isn’t just one of my pillars — it’s my practice.
“Ikigai Support” by Amja, inspired during a therapy session
Vision and Mission
Vision
By fusing my love of art and public speaking, my vision is to create art, conversations, and spaces that empower people, especially those impacted by domestic abuse, trauma, or social adversity, to reclaim their joy, freedom, and purpose through the Self-Soothing Creative Steps (SSCS™).
Whether through a canvas, workshop, or keynote stage, I invite you to journey from surviving to thriving; supported, seen, and celebrated, living proof that creative becoming is not the destination, but the way itself.
“Freedom is not the ceiling — it’s the floor we rise from.”
Mission
I help people and organisations move from surviving to thriving — what I call creative becoming, using art and creative strategy to build confidence, voice, and purpose.
This mission is grounded in my Self-Soothing Creative Steps (SSCS™) Framework and Hydrate, Affirm, Adorn™ methodology:
💧 Hydrate for clarity and nourishment 💬 Affirm for intention 🌸 Adorn for joy —
a rhythm of replenishment, awareness, and celebration. Together they form the heartbeat of my work, showing that freedom is the floor, not the ceiling, and that creative expression is the bridge between who we were, who we are, and who we are becoming.
“Give yourself permission to live your hearts vision.”
A portrait of becoming; beside “Your Hands,” a work exploring self-love, legacy and embodied freedom.
“The gift is the present of now.” Now is the freedom floor — the moment we stand on, not something we wait for.
Art As Advocacy
Amja speaks self-love and the power of healing through creative expression.
Amja with her art marching in Central London at the “Million Women Rise” for the end of male violence against women and girls.
As you take this journey with me, whether through a painting, a quote, or a moment of pause, may you feel encouraged to be creatively courageous or courageously creative.
And as I always say…
Let Art Be Your Becoming
Love and light, infinitely,
Amja
Yes. Community-rooted workshops are facilitated by Amja through our nonprofit platform, Let Art Be Your Becoming CIC.
We offer flexible pricing for charities, CICs, and councils working with women, young people, or communities facing adversity.
You can view our partner-facing pricing guide or reach out directly to co-create an offering tailored to your goals.
- 📧 Community Enquiries: letartbyb@gmail.com
- 📧 Corporate & Speaking: amja@amjaunabashedly.com
