We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Andrew Wick a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Andrew, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I learned through trial and error mostly but also with investigating a variety of art techniques and mediums. I don’t really know how to speed up the art process. In my mind, it should slow down. Everyone wants immediate gratification in the era of the screen. As far as obstacles, there are many with art. Likely too many to count. My personal one just recently was a house fire. Awful.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your background and context?

I chose to live a creative path in life. I dabbled a bit at music and wasn’t really that great but found a voice in visual art my freshman year of HS. I am an artist and art teacher. I graduated from SMU in Dallas with a BFA degree in printmaking and drawing in 2003. I have always been obsessed with the craft of making art. In today’s world, becoming an artist is a seemingly risky venture. It really always has been. However, I suppose it depends on how one uses their creativity how risky that “venture” really is. Many of my fellow artist friends who have made a career in the arts have adapted in various ways and promoted their work through grants, residencies, and teaching. If one takes the risk of pursuing the arts, I think one has to stay true to their skillset and play it out to the best of their ability. I have had an affinity for creating from a very early age and I was lucky enough to have parents who supported my decision involving the pursuit of being a professional artist. I decided to pursue a Master’s degree at UNT, graduating in 2005, in Art Education.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

This question is simple. Value the arts and things made locally. Value people’s thoughts, value humans basically.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Sure. I had an AIR (artist in residency) set for Finland I really was looking forward to. I could not fulfill it for 2 years straight due to COVID and then scheduling issues.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.andrewwick.com

Image Credits
© Andrew Wick