Copy of About
Artist Statement
Art has the profound ability to transcend boundaries and touch the deepest parts of our souls, revealing truths and potentials we may have never known. Through my work, I explore and channel this transformative energy to empower people to envision and create the lives they want to live and love.
The pieces I create are a celebration of vulnerability, freedom, reclaiming, courage, adventure, and, most importantly, self-love. I believe that art provides a mirror to our innermost selves; our inner-child, allowing us to explore who we are, who we want to be, and the boundless possibilities of our journeys.
My art speaks to everyone, but particularly to the indomitable spirit within every woman, encouraging her to break free from societal constraints, embrace her authenticity, pursue her dreams with passion and give herself permission to live her hearts vision.
“Self-love is the precursor to your greatest love”
Self-love, the cornerstone of my work, is depicted through reflections, gentle embraces, and tender self-portraits, affirming the importance of cherishing one's self-worth and beauty.
As you engage with my art, I hope you feel inspired to embark on your own journey of self-discovery, to embrace the beauty of your own narrative, and to create a life that reflects your true essence. May you find in my art the courage to dream boldly, live freely, love deeply and "let art be your becoming".
A Little About Me
Hi, my name is Antonia aka Amja. I‘m a lover of life and self taught visual and performance who is often smiling, laughing or pulling silly faces, even whilst creating or sharing my visual artistry, poetry, singing and podcasting. I am also the mother to four amazing children, (who I call “Womb Gems”) as well as a Public Speaker who advocates for the end of domestic abuse, and an Ambassador for Women’s Trust, the specialist mental health charity providing free counselling and therapy for women who have experienced domestic abuse.
“Let art be your becoming”
After navigating what I call the "Intangible Proof of Domestic Abuse", which translates to contextualising the invisible of coercive control, I was diagnosed with PTSD and literally my identity was stolen.
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
On my journey to reclaiming my freedom, I was asked to be a part of an art project run by Advance Charity, and where Visual and Performance Artist, Rachel Gadsden invited me to tell my story on canvas. At the time I didn't know I could paint but I choose to be courageous, trust the process and put me first. What became was my contemporary figurative artwork "Perception" which tells a story of my vulnerability, pain, truth, survival, growth and how my creative expression manifested into healing.
Amja with her artwork "Perception" at Sands End Art and Community Centre, Hammersmith and Fulham.
While working through the complexities of my healing journey, I began asking myself soul searching question like “What I want for MY life is...”, and "How can I use the skills I have developed during my years in the corporate world, while being a mum to 4 very active children?".
"Perception", a fusion of my multitasking-mum and business skills, and courage gave birth to what people know as Amja Unabashedly; the creative wellbeing hub, where love, art and inspiration empower.
"Give yourself permission to live your hearts vision"
Amja with artwork "Your Hands". Photo: Lewis Patrick
Vision
By mixing my love for creative expression and motivational speaking, my vision is to create art, unabashed conversations and spaces in which people impacted by domestic abuse and other trauma are empowered to use their self-love and the power of creativity as stepping stones to reclaiming their freedom, joy, and purpose.
Amja speaks self-love and the power of healing through creative expression.
Mission
My mission is to share my fine art with the world, including the generations to come, in alignment with my "AU 4 Self-Soothing Creative Steps" of “Support”, “Self-Love”, “Spirituality” (not to be confused with religion) and “Security”, which are the founding pillars of Amja Unabashedly, to advocate for social change. Using my gift as a multifaceted creative, I will curate exhibitions, events and resources with themes of self-love, community-collaboration, courage, freedom and purpose, which are found in my art, so that people impacted by domestic abuse and other trauma can feel loved and empowered to move from surviving to inspired growth, that enables them to thrive, and curate the life they want to live and love.
“The gift is the present of now”
Amja with her artwork marching at the "Million Women Rise" for the end of male violence against women and girls, in Central London.
As you join me, exploring my gift of this self-loving-artistic journey, may I encourage you to be creatively courageous or courageously creative, and as I have said before, let art be your becoming.
Sending you love and light infinitely,
Amja xxx♥️
Amja's artwork at Hammersmith and Fulham's "Survivor's Thriving Through Art" exhibition.
