Name and Year: Amanda "Murf" Murphy, '12 Hometown: Philly, born and raised. Major: Fine Arts Medium of Choice: Film
Street: Since you work in many mediums, how do you decide where to start — and what materials to use — for a project? Does the mood just strike? Amanda Murphy: Most of my pieces are made for a specific purpose — as a gift, decorative piece, requested by someone for a specific reason, etc. So I start by asking myself, "Okay, which material will work best to accomplish its purpose?" I really enjoy combining mediums to show off, I guess you could say. For example, for Christmas I made my roommate a piece with paint, ripped magazine pieces and melted crayons. While filming, I really enjoy being the performer as well as the filmer. I like to be well–rounded.
Street: What are your main goals when creating a piece of work? AM: My main goals when creating anything are to have someone look at my work and have their faces light up with enjoyment, awe or laughter. I’m kind of a people pleaser, so I love to entertain my audience.
Check out Amanda's original film:
Street: What does video allow you to do that other art forms do not? AM: Video, to be honest, allows me to be in the spotlight. I guess it’s the Leo in me. It allows me to express my imagination in ways that 2D forms of art cannot.
Street: What’s the most challenging project you’ve completed (or begun)? AM: My most challenging piece is without a doubt my film for my upcoming Spring Thesis show. I am working on writing a short or sitcom–length film.
Street: Do you feature yourself in your work? If so, why? AM: Yes, most definitely. Why? I love being in front of as well as behind the camera. I remember acting and dancing in front of my reflection in the large '80s TV we had when I was little. Also, whether I am literally in it or not, a piece of me can always be found in the work I do.
Street: Of your pieces, which is your favorite? AM: My favorite art piece is my recreation of Dali’s The Great Masturbator made from ripped and collaged magazine pieces. My favorite film piece is Conflictathought, a goofy short film making fun of the different personality traits I possess.
Street: Do you have any favorite artists? Role models? AM: Hmm, artists: Dali (for his trippy dream–like qualities), Pipilotti Rist (for her quirky video installations), Gondry (for his editing)…I could go on. As for role models, I really look up to Jim Carrey as a performer. He has grown so much as an actor and has taken on many types of roles with amazing performances. He is also well–respected in the Hollywood community. Definitely someone I dream of working with.
Street: What do you see for yourself in the future? AM:In the future I see myself on the West Coast working to make it big like all the other filmmakers. I know I am heading towards the entertainment field in some shape or form.
