On the Couch with Amanda Parer

AAR OTC Amanda Parer - courtesy of Parer StudioWho is Amanda Parer?
I am an artist, and family woman who lives in Tasmania trying to make a dent.

What would you do differently to what you do now?
I’d be a psychologist because I am fascinated by the human brain and what motivates our behaviour.

Who inspires you and why?
Those who are not motivated by self interest and trying to make a positive difference in the world and those just doing their thing. Both take bravery, which I admire in anyone.

What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Eradicate greed, this seems to be one of the most harmful of man’s traits.

Favourite holiday destination and why?
Going to our holiday shack (house) located on the far north east of Tasmania. Whilst there, snorkeling in the pristine marine waters and swinging on a hammock in the sun reading a book are the preferred activities.

When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
For friends and family when they come to town, we take them straight to Launceston’s iconic Cataract Gorge. This is a beautiful natural feature a few minutes from Launceston where the locals go for walks, swim, and socialise, especially during the summer.

What are you currently reading?
Deep by James Nestor, which is beautifully written account of the author’s discovery and love of free-diving and his interactions with whales that communicate with each other hundreds of miles from each other and sharks that live in the dark spaces of the ocean. I am fascinated at how the ocean is like another dimension right here amongst our own.

What are you currently listening to?
Lately I have had Underworld almost on permanent cycle, they have so many strong and diverse tracks. I enjoy working with deep house in the background, I find that it allows for steady lineal thought accompanied with an inspirational jig when required.

Happiness is?
Family (it’s cliché for a reason!)

What does the future hold for you?
I am currently working on the biggest artwork I have ever made, entitled Lost. It is an interactive public installation artwork made up of up to 40 extinct or endangered botanical species from around the globe. This will be inflatables, will illuminate and can be sat and laid upon. I consider this work my Magnum Opus and will be my focus – at least in the near future.

Amanda’s major public art installation of giant inflatable illuminated bunnies, Intrude will be on show at Bunjil Place Plaza from 1 June 2019. For more information, visit: www.bunjilplace.com.au for details.

Image: Amanda Parer – courtesy of Parer Studio