About

My Name is Amanda Black, I am currently living in Illinois with my handsome blue pitbull named Ivar. He is the very best boy, stealing my heart everyday. The Blue Bandit Co was started in August 2022 to express and share
my passion for art. 

Since I was young I have been interested in art. Never believed I was much to talk about although, I enjoyed it. It was my form of expression, my escape from the mundane, in the creative moment I was free. I started entering art shows and realized I had a talent to be proud of. I aspired to make something of myself. 

Buuut then life got a hold of me and I found myself just surviving. I was not coping well with the events that life was throwing at me and I fell into the deep dark life of alcoholism. Art was no longer a passion of mine as it once was. Years had gone by this way, and worse and worse it got. I had lost myself beyond recognition. Early 2022 I ended up in the hospital, the doctor had told me with the state of my liver I was lucky to be here and if I continued down this path I wouldn't be around much longer. The harsh reality of how I was living had just been brought to light. The severity of the last ten years
had finally really sunk in. 

I didn't waste any time, I quickly began my sobriety and healing journey. I had so much love and support through this very intense time of recovery. Ivar, with his beautiful dog eyes, kept me moving. He was so compassionate and affectionate. He is truly my heart and soul. Ivar and the loved ones that stuck with me through all of that are absolute angels. Even on the most difficult days they didn't give up hope. They helped keep me strong and focused. Not once did I even think of looking back.

As the worst of the recovery had passed, my body started to heal, and my mind became incredibly clear. My long lost passions had returned and my ambition had become stronger than ever. In my bones I knew I had to start something incredible and challenging. And well, here we are. 

The Blue Bandit Co marks the beginning of a very exciting adventure. I'm blessed to be here to share my story and my art with you. Thank you for all your support along the way.
Ivar and I are always and forever grateful 🩵