Robert Andrews

Background

About Robert Andrews

I am an Australian artist of Scottish, Welsh, Irish and Scandinavian ancestry. I have practical and theoretical experience in painting, sculpture and art history. As a painter I mostly use acrylics and acrylic mediums. Some experience in effectively using oil paints and enamels. Also mixed media (acrylics, collage, drawing media). Series of works alternate between representational and those using varying degrees of abstraction. Themes explored in 2-D works include Presence & Absence; Abstraction, Representation and Meaning; The Surface and Beyond; Self & Psyche; other aspects of the Human Condition. For sculpture I mostly use found and/or recycled objects to create assemblages influenced by Pop Art, Dada and the environment. I have also been experimenting with using miniature figures in some sculptural works to create dioramas addressing aspects of contemporary life, including social issues, environmental concerns, and the Human Condition in general. Work experience: former workshop facilitator (educator) for Flying Arts, Inc, and for Hands on Art. Other former roles: freelance workshop facilitator in many Queensland schools (primary and secondary); art teacher for Adult Community Education; painting tutor at the Brisbane Institute of Art (adult learners); exhibition installer and logisitics' assistant at Griffith Artworks and Griffith University; administrative role with Umbrella Studio Assoc.(an ARI), in Townsville. Goals include continuing to develop my art practice, updating my skills, and exhibiting my work. Interested in interstate and overseas exhibition and residency opportunities. Keen to work as a Museum Educator, or as Visual Art teacher in Tertiary Education. Also interested in artist-in-residence opportunities. Specialties/Skills: painting, drawing, assemblage-making, and collage. Installing/uninstalling exhibitions. Effective use of studio tools and equipment: various types of brushes, palette knives, squeegees, easels, cutting mats, drawing media, acrylic paints and mediums. A great deal of knowledge and experience in preparing canvases and wooden supports for painting or mixed media. Experienced in effectively using a small range of carpentry tools, and also the proper use of lighting and ventilation in studios. Experienced in effectively managing a classroom/studio setting. Other skills - research, writing, editing; preparing/delivering presentations; tutoring, facilitating, mentoring, teaching; assisting learners to achieve specific goals; customer service and retention.