Maren Amdal was born in Seattle, WA where she lived until age nine with her parents and three siblings. The youngest of four children, Maren was the only child still living at home when she and her parents moved to the beautiful Olympic Peninsula. In Chimacum, WA she grew up surrounded by the majestic Olympic Mountains and the cool waters of Puget Sound, in which she spent many wonderful hours splashing among the stones and shells.
Maren was active in Girl Scouts as well as her Lutheran church’s youth group. She showed horses for nine years, learning about public speaking and presentations through the local 4-H program.
The nearest large town was Port Townsend, a small Victorian seaport known internationally for its beautiful architecture, quaint ambiance and incredible music and arts scene. Maren’s many experiences in this community of artists provided her a foundation of creativity that has stayed with her throughout her life.
Singing since birth, according to her mother, Maren had her first voice lessons at age 12, and began formal classical voice training at age 15 during her first semester in college. Her many performance experiences throughout Jr. High, High School and College began what would turn into a life long love of the stage and a love for sharing through music, art and creatively expressing ideas.
Maren began actively exploring her faith at age 16, later beginning to meditate and learn about alternative medicines and healing. Having studied Buddhism, Hinduism, and Native American Spirituality, among others, she continues to learn about religious beliefs from all over the world through regular study of sacred texts as well as gatherings with people of all faiths. Becoming both an ordaned minister and a certified Reiki Master in 2004/2005, Maren has a gentle approach to healing and ministry, believing that all healing comes through process from within.
Since moving to Minneapolis in 2001, Maren has had the opportunity to meet and perform with a variety of local musicians and artisans at venues throughout the Twin Cities and the Midwest. Maren has been blessed with many opportunities to travel, and has visited nearly 20 countries and half of these United States, bringing home with her music, stories and memories that contribute to her art. Her many skills and experiences have given her a unique view of the world, one she is pleased to share with you through this website.
Maren shares her life with her family and friends throughout the world. She currently lives in Minneapolis, MN in a cozy 100 year old house with her husband Gregory, two dogs, a cat, a Quaker parrot, and two chickens. Working and teaching primarily from her home, she spends a lot of time barefoot.
© 2006 www.marenamdal.com