We were lucky to catch up with Andrew Sjodin recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Andrew thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I found out I could draw when I was fairly young. It was probably around 5th grade. I was sitting at the coffee table with my coloring book and implements as well as some scratch paper. For reasons unknown I decided this day that I would make a go at drawing one of the coloring book cartoons – a Looney Tunes character, I think – instead of simply coloring it. I got out the scratch paper and pencil and proceeded to draw the character. My mom walked by as I was finishing up and said something to the effect of, “Oh, it looks like you can draw!”

Fast forward to my later 20’s. I had never stopped drawing and creating, but it had just remained a hobby. I loved doing the work and had a lot of ideas but never pursued art seriously. At 27 I found myself living in Homer, Alaska. I decided to take a painting course from Asia Freeman at the local community college. I had dabbled in painting before, but sort of haphazardly. Drawing had always been my thing.

I took to the work eagerly and ambitiously. I enjoyed it. As the course was coming to an end I had it in my mind that it had been a really great experience and that I would surely continue painting. As a part of my final critique Asia suggested that I consider pursuing painting more seriously, perhaps pursue an MFA and a career as an artist. This suggestion struck me to my core. I was shocked and excited. Though I had never thought I would pursue art as a career when Asia made the suggestion and encouraged me it forced me to realize that this was something that I had wanted for a long time. Asia’s encouragement meant a lot to me. She had an MFA. She ran a gallery. She taught at a college. She was a working artist. She thought I should do this. I realized that I had never had the confidence to give myself permission to try to become a professional artist. The idea just seemed too unrealistic.

I went to art school – The Atelier Studio Program of Fine Arts in Minneapolis, MN. I now work professionally as an artist and am an instructor with the full-time program at the Minneapolis atelier. Becoming an artist has been one of the most fulfilling choices I’ve made in my life. I feel I’m meant to do this work.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am a classically trained painter and draftsman working in the contemporary realist style. The rigorous technical training that I underwent has given me the skill-set necessary to create thoughtful and well-crafted drawings and paintings. It is my intention to create work that draws from the old masters while resonating with a contemporary audience. In all of my work I strive continually to uphold a high standard of quality, always pushing myself to improve my craft and honestly express what I am trying to say.

My work carries a a sense of calm that is both beautiful and contemplative. Though I am not always a calm and quiet person myself I find that the part of me that is is what tends to come out onto the canvas. I enjoy seeking out the beauty in a fleeting light effect, an assortment of quiet details that tells a simple but rich story, the subtle gesture in a figure or portrait that reveals a depth of thought and character. My work is often open and spacious. The work I’ve created that I am most satisfied with are the pieces that feel like contemplative dwelling spaces – spaces where the viewer can slow down and spend some time alone and at peace.

At this point in my career I primarily create figurative work, still lifes, and portraits in oil paint. I create and sell original work and am usually open to commissions. I also teach workshops periodically throughout the year.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

On the one hand I am an artist. I strive to express a unique creative voice by creating things that are personal, imaginative, beautiful…and impractical. On the other hand I am a craftsman and business person. I run a business – I create a product and market that product; I manage a website, advertise, manage social media accounts, keep books, buy supplies, employ people, ship items all over, secure venues for shows, hang shows, host events, build frames, build and maintain relationships with customers, build and maintain relationship with vendors (galleries, etc.), do imaging, do my own accounting, and pay taxes.

It is great to be an artist. I love my work. That is just it though: this is a lot of work. I wear a lot of hats, most of which I am not trained to do, nor am I good at. I work hard at it because I care about what I am doing, want to do a good job, and want to contribute something to the world that is worth contributing.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Invest in educating people about the value of art. Buy art directly from artists.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sjodinfineart.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sjodinfineart/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/A.SjodinFineArt