We were lucky to catch up with Andrea Raft recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Andrea thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
I am a mixed media artist having recently completed and exhibited a show in Palm Springs
Called. “Forest Bathing”. My focus was on using a natural color palette reflective of being in the woods.
I had completed a Book on Forest Bathing and was inspired to create the feeling that one experiences
in the forest. Feeling the energy, the mystery , the calming and healing that the natural world provides. The work is as much a spiritual exercise as an act of creation, as much a meditation as an expression. I worked on this project for two years to completion. It was a very gratifying and
healing. process.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I was a late bloomer, having begun to paint in my 50’s…………………
I first began painting at the Brentwood Art Center in Los Angeles. Where. under it’s auspices I traveled
to Giglio, Italy to and study and Paint. It was there that I began to create with a sense of history, layered
textures, reflective of the old city’s doors and and walls. Subsequently I traveled to China, Nepal, Tibet, Vietnam and Thailand and was interested in Asian art and Eastern Philosophy. These travels have
influenced my work in many ways. More recently a connection to the Natural World has inspired
my work. The blend of Nature’s spirt, Eastern Philosophy , and artist’s prayer are conveyed in my mixed media pieces. One of the projects that was most rewarding for me was to Collaborate with
my son Aaron Sedway who is a photographer. I used his nature photos in my mixed media pieces. He would superimposed his photos on my abstract color fields. So I began to use the actual photos in my work.
Together we created art for 20 years. It then led me to want to paint nature in my abstract style.
I have since taught Aaron to paint so he now does the work using his photos. I am so proud of him.
So now we each have ART to share!
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
I am in my 80th year. And so grateful to have ART to create. It get’s me up everyday wanting
to paint, collage, make something. I am so happy to be part of an art community. It feeds my soul.
It’s part of my identity on this earth. And it’s given me a broader way to see the world. As an artist
I see so much beauty in everyday objects and. places. I am appreciative of this gift.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
To be honest I think that being an artist on a creative journey allows me to be seen.
I don’t mean that to sound like a narcissist, I think I felt unseen as a child and at the
moment I love the recognition that comes with being an artist. The Truth!
I love showing my work. I. have met many artist along my journey who do not want
to show their work. I have never understood that. Early on in my journey I put together
about 20 pieces and went right out looking to be in a show. I was featured in the Beverly
Hills Art Show in the Park.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://andrearaftstudio.com
- Instagram: Andrea Raft
- Facebook: Andrea Raft Studio, Ripped and Torn Coachella Valley Collage Artists, Andrea Raft
Image Credits
Andrea Raft