In conversation with artist Amanda Hinkelmann

Fusing traditional Aboriginal techniques and symbolism with a contemporary, feminine colour palette, Amanda Hinkelmann’s designs are intricate and represent herself, country, and culture.

Photography: Rachel Cooper Photography

Hello, who are you?

My name is Amanda Hinkelmann and I am a proud Wiradjuri woman from Wagga Wagga. I was born and raised in Wagga Wagga and still call it home, raising my four children here, on Wiradjuri country. I am a mother of four – two busy boys and two crafty girls – a friend to many and a good ear when someone needs to talk. I love a cuppa and my kettle is always on!

When did you first start painting?

I have always been artistic and always enjoyed creating, in many forms. I began painting professionally almost two and a half years ago, balancing teaching and art. In June 2021, I took the leap to paint full-time – being able to dedicate more time to my artistic practice, my culture and my family. I haven't looked back! It is so incredibly fulfilling, particularly as I focus my practice on learning more about my culture and expressing this through art.  

How has your Bachelor of Education degree played a role in your career as an artist today?

Let me premise this one by saying I am very lucky. I have an extremely supportive mother and father – both whom are two of the most generous and hard-working people I know. They made a lot of sacrifices when I was younger, giving us a great life. They supported our education immensely, always pushing us to do our best. Because of this, my sisters and I were the first in our family to ever go to university and complete degrees.

My education background in many ways has helped shape me into who I am. I worked in a school for most of my teaching career with a large proportion of the students being Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander children, and being able to be a role model and support for these children was the most fulfilling part of my career. It kept me grounded as a person and connected to those around me. 

As an executive member of the staff for many years, I also had to be very organised, constantly learning new skills and refining those I already had. I had a team of people I was responsible for supporting and often found myself in mentoring roles, both formally and informally. I took a role for one year as relieving principal in a different school, and again, being organised, good at communicating and on top of my role was so important.

Now as a full-time artist, I maintain much of this discipline – forming good habits and systems early on and sticking to them, so I don’t fall behind on what I am doing, or lose track of where I am up to. I must also mention that I loved the afternoons in my classroom when we could get messy with paints, glue and all things creative!

“Being a maker is like having a magic power, like speaking a language that only few have mastered.”

Photography: Rachel Cooper Photography

What is your advice to artists wanting to get their works into retail?

I would have to say to go with what feels right, and don’t take on too much.

I would also say, be clear on what you want to do with your practice. Find people/galleries/stockists on your level and work with them – if you don’t click, then they aren’t for you! I have a few small galleries and stockists and will be keeping it limited. Balance is key and if you value your work, others will too.

My art is incredibly meaningful and a lot of time and thought goes into each piece. By keeping the number of stockists limited, it means I can still provide enough pieces, while still maintaining the love and care I put into each work. I also keep in contact with my stockists and we chat openly about what is going well, ideas we have and what we could do differently. We are in it together, so a good working relationship is crucial. 

When it comes to your collaborations, how do you approach each of these to be both representative of your work, and the brand you are working with?

Each collaboration is different. After a few unpleasant experiences, I made a decision to only collaborate with brands that align with my values and my ideas, so we end up with a product that is not only beautiful, but meaningful – created with passion, integrity and love. 

Many (in fact, most) of my collaborators have approached me, as they see my work fitting with an idea or product they have. This makes it easier, as I already know they are approaching me because they like what I do and appreciate the significance of my work. From here, there is a whole lot of to-ing and fro-ing until we have things just right.

Collaborations are actually one of the trickiest, yet most rewarding parts to my job – not because I am working with others, but because I have to keep it a secret for so long! 

“My art practice focuses on connection, country, experience, fusing traditional Aboriginal techniques and symbolism with a contemporary, feminine palette.”

Photography: Eve Photography

What do you love most about what you do?

I love that I wake up each day and I am excited. I love that my day is filled with things I enjoy, and I have no expectations from anyone but myself.

The past two years, and particularly the last six months, I have learned so much about who I am and what I enjoy.
For the first time in many years, I have time to reflect, to sit alone and think, to express myself – paintbrush (well, actually, dotting tool) in hand.

I love that I am more connected to my family, my community and my culture. I love that I can plan my own day and be productive, all while being a much better mother to my children, a more present wife, and a friend who actually has time to catch up. Above all, I love that I can do what I love – and call it work. 

What does it mean to you to be a ‘maker’?

It means selfless expression. It means a form of communication other than words, and a deeper message than what can be spoken. Being a maker is like having a magic power, like speaking a language that only few have mastered.

It means I can be authentically me, and express who I am without apology, expectation or pressure. It means joy, exploration, and heart. It means I have a whole tribe of people backing me, supporting me, sending beautiful messages my way and filling my life each day with kindness. This is so beautiful and I love it!

What challenges have you faced along the way and how have you overcome these?

Too many to mention! But they have all made me better in one way or another. One of the biggest challenges was stepping away from teaching – from the one thing I had done my whole adult life. Cutting the ties there was extremely difficult, especially because my heart is in it for the students.

I had to become much more selfish, and in doing this, I have become much more generous. I suppose too, putting yourself out there for judgement – whether you like it or not, you will have people that criticise you or are critical of what you do, and that’s okay. It is learning to deal with it and not letting it bother you so much that is key.

It is very clear to me in my world who supports me and who doesn’t, who my people are and who they aren’t, and who I invest time into, to make both my life and their life better.

@becauseofmyfour
Wagga Wagga, Australia