From poetic words to napkin doodles, a journey through inspiration and artistry with Anthony Amadeo.
AA: Vickie! We’ve known each other for 15 years now—how wild is that?
Thinking back to Santa Barbara and LA, we’ve shared so many good times (and maybe even better meals!). What’s a favorite memory you have from our LA days?
VB: Hi my love!!! I miss you dearly and am immensely proud of the artist you’ve evolved into. To reminisce with you and backtrack 15+ years- I’d say I’m often reminded of our echo park, Los Angeles lassens trips, eating + shopping it off on melrose, and last but not least- all those late night Mexican meals we’ve had in silver lake haha.
AA: You’re one of the most creative energy filled person I know, and now you’re raising little creatives of your own.
I’ve seen Ollie on Instagram—he seems like a natural. How do you encourage creativity in your kids? Are they teaching you anything about creativity?
VB: For one- Ollie can’t help himself; he’s got the artist temperament at three years old and his paintings are deep; they are extremely reminiscent of Cy Twombly and Basquiat’s work. He is also into photography so he’s been taking abstract photos of everything and everyone with his new dinosaur camera.
He’s taught me to continue my conceptual work and to find my creative medium within everyday rituals.
AA: Let’s talk about your poetry.
I’d love to see more of it out in the world! What inspires you to write? Do you have a favorite poem you’ve written—or better yet, could you write one for us right now?
VB: Sylvia Plath is my favorite poet; along with Richard Brautigan. Their shared objective may be the fact that it could be ever so slightly dark but always remains conceptual. I know i am reiterating that word but that word means everything to me; i don’t necessarily care about needing my creative medium to be shared with the world; but it organically means life to me to be able to express it and have it tangible on pen and paper. Here is one that means quite a bit to me; written postpartum with my son, Ollie.
AA: You’ve made a new life in Nashville.
How has the creative energy of Nashville inspired or changed you? Is there something about the city that feels like home in a way LA didn’t?
VB: Certainly so. Nashville is a tiny city but the creative energy- specifically around country music is intensely deep. It’s the Mecca of country music and the history ; even just around my neighborhood (Johnny Cash’s former neighborhood)- is incredibly profound. It is still family friendly and truly a great place for young developing brains to thrive in.
AA: Let’s get a little interactive.
I want you and Ollie to each grab a napkin (yes, a literal napkin) and doodle something—whatever comes to mind. Then snap a quick pic and send it over. We’ll include both your doodles in the interview for everyone to see. I bet Ollie’s will steal the show!
A little napkin drawing from Oli, the natural born artist
AA: You’re Korean, and your culture is such a beautiful part of who you are.
How has being Korean influenced your creativity or the way you see the world? Is there a tradition or memory that feels especially meaningful to you, creatively or otherwise?
VB: Being Korean-American has truly shaped so much of my childhood and being the most authentic version of myself. Korean people are extremely intelligent and strong-willed; that has never left me. However, all of my creative influences (art, film, music) are all western. I let it consume me; i feel it and breathe it in- then i let it all go; breathe it out and become a better; nuanced version of myself each passing day.
AA: To wrap it up, where can everyone keep up with you and your work?
Do you have anything creative in the works—poetry, art, or otherwise—that you’d like to share?
VB: To be brutally honest- my children are toddlers and i hardly am able to make time for daily rituals that come with the responsibility of being a wife and mother. On the other hand; i always indeed find a time to be creative; whether it is free-writing, taking photos, and or cooking/baking with my children. There is no excuse in not being able to find creativity within your daily life if you truly are a creative being.