Amanda Banks
Art | Research | Community
Read the New Book!
Give and Take:
Motherhood and Creative Practice
Edited by: Tara Carpenter Estrada,
Katie Palfreyman, and Hilary Wolfley
Give and Take offers personal narratives from artist mothers at all stages in their careers who work in multidisciplinary mediums about the “ give and take” of motherhood in the art world. The collection of essays addresses relatable topics and essential vocabulary as tools to describe phenomena all artist mothers have experienced. Readers will easily be able to see themselves in the authors' words.
In her contribution, Amanda writes about the power and importance of including children in the creative process. She advocates for approaching creation in partnership with our children to cultivate fuller, richer perspectives. Included with her essay are two photographs, taken in collaboration with her youngest child, Kit.
About Amanda
Amanda Banks is a researcher and artist local to Huntsville, Alabama. She explores key aspects of education, mutual aid systems, and identity through her multidisciplinary work spanning business, engineering, and textiles. Her projects can be found in academic, professional, and specialty journals, such as Systems Engineering, Cognitive and Behavioral Science, and Tributaries. She will earn an MBA in global business from the University of North Alabama in 2026.
Amanda is also a certified crochet instructor with the Craft Yarn Council and an active board member of the Women’s Caucus for Art, contributing her expertise to support creativity at both national and local levels. Through volunteer services, she fosters an inclusive environment for creative expression and advocates for equitable access to education.
In her downtime, Amanda finds inspiration in the rural surroundings she shares with her partner of 15 years, their two teenage children, and an eclectic mix of pets. Her tranquil home provides a grounding force that fuels her artistic explorations and infuses her work with authenticity and depth.