29 Jul Stephenson Showcase: “Fleeting Moments” by Amanda Russo
In the quiet space of a small home studio, Amanda Russo finds inspiration in moments most of us might overlook. A glance, a gesture, or even a handful of wilted dandelions. Her upcoming exhibit, Fleeting Moments, invites viewers to pause and appreciate the depth hidden in the everyday.
Art has always been a part of her life. Amanda credits both her father and grandmother as early influences. “It was always around me,” she says. That early foundation eventually led to a lifelong exploration of materials and expression. Though she began working primarily in oils, her practice has evolved to include charcoals, monochromatic pastels, and more recently, embroidery. “I’m always exploring new mediums. Learning is part of the process.”
Faces and expressions remain at the center of her work. There’s a quiet intimacy in her portraits, a sense that something deeper is being captured beyond the surface. Her home studio limits her scale, but not her impact. Each piece feels intentional and personal, guided by a sensitivity to light, mood, and memory. She explains, “If I see something and the light is right, or the feeling is right, that’s when it all falls into place.”
The idea for Fleeting Moments came to her early in the planning process, but the meaning has deepened over time. One piece features a simple image of wilted dandelions—what at first appears to be a gentle still life carries a powerful memory of her children offering her fresh-picked flowers. “There’s always a deeper meaning behind simple things,” she notes. “I ask myself, ‘What can I add to make it more meaningful?’ especially when I’m working on portraits.”
This exhibit is also a family affair in the most heartfelt sense: it includes two works created by her children. “They are the fleeting moment,” she says, reflecting on how quickly time moves and how art helps her hold on just a little longer.
Fleeting Moments will be on view at the Stephenson House Gallery from August 1-30, 2025. Guests are invited to meet the artist and experience this intimate, emotional showcase during the opening reception on Friday, August 1, from 6-9 p.m.