Natalie Andrews – Architecture of a problem (2) – size 2.5m x 2.5m

How would you describe your practice?

My work is mainly large scale acrylic painting but I also make sculptural pieces and smaller experiments with poetry and found text.

What are you working on at the moment?

Im making maquettes for large scupltures which extend the themes of my paintings, I’m interested in the way we relate to space and the media that is within our enviroment. The sculptures are allowing me to explore this in a different way as they are experienced in the round and don’t exist in the illusary plane of the painting. I’m becoming interested in the idea of bricolage as described by Levi Straus, there is an immediacy about using things around you it stops procrastination and allows me the same level of expression I have in the paintings, I’m hoping the paintings and the objects play off each in  conversation and heighten the experience of the work and the viewer.

What are your plans for the coming year?

I have recently created a website and I’m entering relevent competitions and applying for interesting  oppurtunities, apart from that I will be making work and taking part in a festival and an art fair in Bristol later in the year.

What is the question you get asked most about your work and how do you answer it?

People ask very plainly what the work is about which is difficult for any artist since its an exploration rather than a visual essay or clear statement so I will say that I’m interested in violence and space and the effects of being in the world.

Who or what inspired you to be an artist and why?

Like a lot of people I was good at, or rather enjoyed drawing as a child and I was encouraged by adults so it starts there, after that its a gradual journey of getting more and more involved and serious about art, for that you need good teachers, good institutions and the opportunity to see art for free that was a big part of developing so I hope thats still true moving forward.

Which artist do you most admire and why?

I really like John Hoyland and Ive watched his interveiw and working process on the BBC archive many times he’s natural and unpretentious when he talks about his work, his process is quite classicly abstract expressionist making decsions in the moment and reacting spontaniously, which I love its a special thing about painting.

How has your relationship with the Digswell Arts trust streghthened your practice as an artist?

Firstly there was a sense of encouragement upon getting the fellowship which every so often is needed since making art can sometimes seem so absurd, since then, being able to be in a space totally dedicated to my ideas has been really vital and sharing the building with other creative people adds to this energy.

My Website:

natalie-andrews-art.squarespace.com