Andrea Curtis is a British mixed media artist. She studied BA Woven Textile Design and MA Printmaking followed by a qualification in Applied Colour Psychology - all of which are evident in her layered, textured, joyful art. Mainly working in a loose interpretation of still life, Andrea references interiors and travel, creating patterns and colours from memory to create richly layered pieces.

Her work combines references to folk art and decorative art tradition with the layered, collaged elements creating a sense of handcrafted beauty.

At first glance her work appears simple but look closer and the patterns, mark making and delicate lines continue to reveal themselves. There is a deceptive depth beneath the joyful colours and imagery.

“The process of creating the work for me is as important as the end result. There is an element of it being personally cathartic, the rhythm of mark making, cutting and placing shapes allows an internal sense making of the mind and I find myself compelled to keep producing work.

My still life is really a reflection of the shapes and forms and objects that I love and like to see in my home in the little vignettes I create three dimensionally. They often tell stories of our family and our travels.

My work draws on elements from the real world but are placed in imagined settings. I intentionally flatten three dimensional forms to create balanced compositions built from shape, pattern and colour. Plants and flowers are often painted in tones that are close to their natural colours, offering a subtle anchor to reality. In everything else however I use colour expressively, reflecting either my mood or the feeling I want to create”

Ultimately my pieces I hope, bring colour, a sense of lightness and a different energy and vibrancy to a space making it an all more pleasant and joyful place to spend time in”

Andrea