Artistic Interest Leads to Best of Show at Fair

Cheryl Kirking’s work appears frequently in the Chicken Soup for the Soul Series and her column, Slice of Life, appears in this publication. She is the author of five books, including Ripples of Joy, published internationally by Random House. Kirking and her husband, David have three grown children and a fluffy rescue dog.

Artist Amanda Crisp of Logandale stands beside two of her award-winning Fair entries. “Quiet Magnitude,” a stunningly realistic depiction of an elephant’s textured skin, and “Eagle,” which she did by woodburning on basswood, a gift to her husband, who is a state trooper and in the army. (photo by C. Kirking)

Amanda Crisp encourages everyone with an artistic interest to keep exploring their abilities! When asked what inspires her work she explains, “I’ve always had an interest in art, but my favorite subjects are wildlife. I especially focus on furry animals, drawing the texture of the fur fascinates me. Feathers, too.”

The “first and only time” Amanda drew an elephant led to it being selected for the Best of Show champion ribbon at the Clark County Fair! “I’m not sure why it took me so long to draw an elephant,” she explains. “I grew up in Salt Lake and loved to visit the zoo there. The elephants fascinated me; such large creatures, yet so gentle and sweet. I decided the texture of the elephant’s skin would be interesting to draw. I’m glad I did!” The leathery, wrinkled elephant skin is a departure from the feathers and fur she usually draws–and the result is her winning graphite drawing”Quiet Magnitude.”

Hanging nearby, also earning winning impressive ribbons, is her “Eagle,” a woodburning on a slab of basswood. “Basswood,” Crisp explains, “is especially good for woodburning, as it is a softwood. I used colored pencil for the beak.”

Where did her inspiration for this majestic eagle come from? Amanda explains, “I made it as a gift for my husband, Aaron, who is in the army and is a state trooper. Thank you, Aaron Crisp, for your service, and for inspiring Amanda to make art! Crisp works at BEX sunglass company in Logandale and does art on commission as she has time. She can be reached at amandammichie@gmail.com.

The fair continues through Sunday, April 10th, so visitors can still view Crisp’s work and the hundreds of other amazing fine arts exhibits in the Exhibit Hall at the southwest corner of the fairgrounds. From quilts to carvings, sculptures, and collections, a stroll through the Fine Arts exhibit includes youth categories and inspiration and winsome creations from artists of all ages!