Amanda Tollefson: Artist-in-the-STUDIO

Amanda Tollefson makes experimental, functional textiles out of mostly recycled materials. Her work explores themes of healing, folk magic, and meaning-making. Originally from Manitowoc, she earned a BFA in painting from Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design and now lives in Milwaukee, WI. Tollefson also works as a seamstress, costume designer, art director, and prop maker in the film production industry. She is currently production designing and supplying the art for a feature film partially inspired by her stint as a mascot costume maker.

As a part of her Artist-in-the-STUDIO residency, Tollefson created work relating to the exhibition theme of Return to the Real, prompted by the question: “What is real to you, and what is the opposite?” She designed and stitched a large, 12-sided, stuffed dice out of leather, created an oracle interpretation zine, and sewed a personal-power flag. All can be seen in person as a part of her mini mock studio set up in the Social STUDIO from now until the end of August 2021.

Tollefson invites visitors of the STUDIO to give the dice a roll and see what mystical advice comes with it. Not unlike a Magic 8-Ball, the oversized dice can be used to ask a question of the universe or to set an intention. Whatever symbol the dice lands on can be matched up with a quote in Tollefson’s zine.

A copy of her zine as well as a small 12-sided dice will be included in the STUDIO project Analog/Digital Accordion Book kit. There is space at the end of the zine where you are invited to make your own oracle and write new meanings for each of the 12 sides. These kits will be available for pick-up in the Social STUDIO during the Arts Center’s open hours.