Interview

Oct 7

Andrew Shields

Andrew Shields received his Bachelor of Art Degree (Fine Art) from the Chisholm Institute of Technology, majoring in painting and print making. His recent exhibitions include: Gertrude Contemporary Art Gallery “Bone” Group art show, 1989; Australia Center For Contemporary Art (ACCA) “Site of Execution” Group Art Show, 1989; Camberwell Rotary Art Show Group Art Show, 2018 and Knox Rotary Art Show Group Art Show, 2019.

_Creature From Another World_ (30 X 40 CM - Acrylic On Canvas panel).jpg

What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?

“I am Australian, born in 1964 in Canberra (ACT) My journey in the art world started for me in my early years, as I was always drawing and painting and drawn to creativity and self expression. During the 1980s, I completed a Bachelor of Arts Degree (Fine Art) at the Chisholm Institute of Technology here in Melbourne, which was very positive for me, in working through various ideas and techniques and the creative process in general. I was involved in exhibitions in Melbourne, including a group show at the Gertrude Contemporary Art Gallery in 1989, as well at the ACCA Gallery in Melbourne. In more recent times, I exhibited at the Rotary Camberwell Art Show (2018-2019) and sold several paintings.”

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What inspires you?

“I am inspired by the process of creation and direct expression as much as possible. in many ways I am directly inspired by 20th Century art movements such as Dada/ Surrealism, Expressionism, Pop-Art, Abstract Art and the like and also Outsider Art, any kind of art where there is direct expression. I also love music, and the moods music can inspire is an important part of the process for me, being lost in time and the vibrations of sound.”

What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?

“The underlying message of my work is in it's essence being true to oneself, honesty in self expression and hopefully creating works that others can enjoy. Being human means for me the whole gamut of experiences and emotions and reflections, are part and parcel of the art making process.”

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How would you describe your work?

“My work sometimes for me has an ‘Episodic’ element, one part interlinking to others, leading the eyes around the surface! I also like strong color keys, and experimentation with form, movement and surface texture. Sometimes an amorphous element is there, which leads me to where the image wants to go, a leap into uncertainty?”

Which artists influence you most?

“So many artists influence me, I love the works of Paul Klee, Max Ernst, Salvador Dali, Picasso, Frida Kahlo, Leonora Carrington, Brett Whiteley and old master artists, especially Hieronymous Bosch. Kenny Scharf and Keith haring are so important for me, a real revelation and genuine excitement emanates from their work.”

“My work sometimes for me has an ‘Episodic’ element, one part interlinking to others, leading the eyes around the surface!”

What is your creative process like?

“I used to work a lot from preliminary sketches, often using under-painting of colored layers. Now, I'm more inclined to jump strait in right onto the white canvas or paper. I'm pretty random in terms of the initial colors, but I'm moving towards a thematic based color palette. I work as quickly as I can, but in a very relaxed fashion, trusting the process to reveal a theme in time, which can be of course changed in the process as well. I'm a big fan of acrylic paint, as I can start layering in a short period of time. Blending can be achieved with Acrylic as well, using drying retarding mediums. I also like using felt tipped pens and acrylic paint pens, on paper and canvas, even wood.”

What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?

“I believe that artists have an important role in the world, especially now with AI and Robotics on the rise. It seems that being human and being for humanity, is now more important than ever. Whilst the changes we see all around us can sometimes seem overwhelming, the artist can bring a ‘stepping back’ aspect to this situation. In some ways the artist can bring about a re-connection to nature, a new way of seeing and perceiving. Also bringing back a sense of play into one's life can be important.”