I've found solace and expression in miniatures. My tiny, constructed worlds offer a creative outlet for me to process and convey the complex feelings tied to hoarding. By using miniatures as a medium, I can magnify the significance of seemingly insignificant items by drawing attention to the emotional weight embedded in them. Thing theory as a theoretical framework has guided my understanding of how the overconsumption of objects affects our behavior, identity, and society. My sculptures invite viewers to engage with the narratives intimately and to reflect on the personal connections we often have with the items we keep. 

Amanda Kelly is an artist, miniaturist, and educator. She holds an MFA from Radford University and has degrees in Art History and Illustration from the Fashion Institute of Technology. She currently teaches at Radford University and Virginia Tech. Kelly’s award-winning artwork has been exhibited in various art galleries and museums, including the Var Gallery in Milwaukee, WI, and the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art in Virginia Beach, VA. She has also been featured in Esquire’s article by Scott Huler, "Inside the Weird and Wonderful World of Miniatures,” and The Book of Mini by Kate Ünver. Her commercial work includes creating miniature sets and content for clients like Coca-Cola, Netflix, and XBOX. Originally from New York, Amanda lives in Virginia with her wife and three cats.