If you’re familiar with Andy’s work, you’ll probably think of complex geometric creations, very precisely executed and often inspired by his interest in light, sound and music, and how they might be visualised.
If that is your perception, then we’re pleased to present some new work that pushes those boundaries in a couple of different directions.
First up is a new piece produced for a New York restaurant, which still bears a resemblance to the lines and forms of Andy’s other work, but has been created using new materials – chalk and a blackboard. You can see some shots of it here.
But the other works we’re showing here mark a greater departure – these are portraits of wildlife – birds and a horse, albeit in a very distinct and colourful style.
We caught up with Andy to ask him about these works:
These works seem to be in a very different style to what we’ve seen from you before. Are you trying something new or are you just showing this facet of your work for the first time?
I have always drawn and developed various creative directions alongside my computer-based graphic work. I’ve found that having a number of creative practices – drawing, design and music – has allowed for a degree of creative freedom that focusing on one has never allowed me.
In the case of Good Luck Restaurant, it was a first for me in working with chalk. Good Luck – a restaurant in Rochester, NY – had been commissioning different artist do a chalk drawing on their 7’ x 20’ board every quarter or so. I accepted the challenge in 2014 and it’s been up ever since, but its days may be numbered. I recently photographed it for posterity.
Were these experiments? Or something you’ve been doing for some time for your own enjoyment?
Yes, it was very much an experiment. I had never worked with chalk before and I approached it without a real plan. I just applied chalk to the wall and followed the form suggested in line.
Have you been drawing animals for a while?
Yes I’ve always drawn animals and assorted plant and animal anatomy.
Do you draw them from life?
No, but I probably should.
What materials did you use in creating them?
Coloured pens and pencils.
How do you see these works relating to the more geometric work we’re more used to seeing?
I see them relating as variations on a creative experience using different tools and having different goals. The creative process for me is very much rooted in a relationship between hands, eyes, ears and mind. Pursuing numerous directions and approaches balances these relationships rather than allowing the hand, or reference, or the ruts of repetition to diminish the creative experience.
Are you going to be producing more work in these styles?
For sure.
Are you planning to experiment further with materials?
Yes, it is my intention to do so.
