Andrea Ehret: Conscious Observation
Based in Czechia, abstract painter Andrea Ehret finds inspiration in dreams, visions, and the natural world. Deeply inspired by Chinese and Japanese calligraphy, Andrea emulates the contrast and movement she finds in calligraphic brush strokes to bring her expressive works of art to life.
Tell me about your background and where your creative journey began.
As many other artists out there I have painted and drawn since I can remember. Both my parents are very creative, my mom is an art teacher. I was a lucky child, my parents have always encouraged me to be creative in every possible way, to observe nature, the glimpse of the light, reflections... movement in the grass.
My dad and I used to play this eye spy game, whoever found the most unusual rock shape won. For as long as I can remember I wanted to be an artist and have thought like one. I studied art at University but most importantly I try to embrace life changes and lessons as a process of personal and artistic transformation. I am an artist but also an art therapist, and I believe art has an ability to heal and awaken.
Where do you find inspiration for your work?
Conscious observation, being present in the moment, recognition of my feelings, mindfulness... Most of my inspiration I find within, my dreams and visions. Life inspires me. Nature inspires me. I do not live by the ocean, but once I travel and touch the Pacific coast or Mediterranean sea I feel like home.
I have already spoken about this before in some interviews, I am very thankful and blessed I am surrounded by all these incredible inspiring women in my life. It wasn’t an easy path to fully embrace my own femininity but I love the wild circle of women I can call my friends and artsy colleagues.
Chinese and Japanese calligraphy is something I admire deeply. Bold, yet concentrated gestural references are part of my abstract works, especially in my latest series. I am very much interested in how I can implement calligraphic brush strokes to my paintings without losing the quality and power of structural work and impasto layers.
What role does color play in your work?
Color can be the essence of the painting. My subconscious mind can show me amazing colors, and at the same time as an artist I often think in contrasts - black ink on rice paper can have as much impact on the viewers as colorful expression.
I work with layers and gold powder pigments. Gold is tricky sometimes, royal, imaginative, seductive color.. but you have to always have in mind not to overdose.
How has your work shifted and evolved over time?
Tremendously. I keep my older paintings from 10-15 years ago in the studio to remind myself how far I have gone.They feel so heavy now.
I consider myself a hard working and productive artist, brave enough to experiment and play. I spend hours in my studio and I do my practice daily, no matter what. Even though sometimes it could mean only a few brushstrokes, calligraphy practice and layering. I know the only possible way to evolve is to work and move. Staying humble. “Inspiration exists but it has to find you working.” - Pablo Picasso.
What does a typical day in the studio look like for you, and how has your art practice grown or changed?
My practice certainly has changed drastically once I had my son. All of a sudden working on large scale oils was a bit of the problem with a baby. I started to do more contemplative intimate smaller works while he was having his naps and implemented watercolor and inks.
This actually led me to the mixed media technique I use now in my abstract works, back to the large scale paintings. I realize how motherhood not only changed me as a person but also as an artist.
Now I certainly have more time to work in my studio. I usually work on multiple canvases at once. My layers and structures need time to rest. In 2020 and beginning of 2021 I still could not practice art therapy, lead art therapy groups or individuals personally. That has given me more time to focus on my art practice and I enjoy it very much.
Which experiences have impacted your work as an artist?
I think every experience , every meaningful relationship impacts us as people and therefore as artists too. We only paint who we are.
What I can underline is my childhood, having a baby, and becoming a mother.
Every time I see and feel the ocean.
All my dreams.
How has Instagram impacted your art career?
Instagram can be an overwhelming experience but also a wonderfully useful tool for an artist's career. Since we do not have much of a chance to exhibit in the galleries this year, some of my shows were canceled due to Covid pandemic, most of our art presence is online.
I have to say I have met some wonderful people , artist friends, colleagues, clients via Instagram, all around the world. Works of other artists are available to be seen more than ever before. I love to discover new artists I like.
It is always a joy to see new interestingly curated shows, like ´Her Weight In Gold,’ I did with Visionary Art Collective in 2020.
I am also very thankful for all the business and career opportunities this year.
I have started to work with my art agent Virginia Damtsa in London and thanks to her I have signed a new representation contract with Noonpowell Fine Art Gallery in London.
But again, nothing can substitute the real thing. There is nothing like seeing the authentic painting live, in the gallery, to get the full experience. I truly hope we will be back to that soon.
What are your future goals and aspirations?
I am very happy just working in my studio and painting... but I also hope the world will heal and we will enjoy art and travel once again.
I am preparing a body of work for my solo show in London, Summer - Fall 2021 with Noonpowell FineArt Gallery. I was also selected as one of the artists for the Art Residency in Château Orquevaux in France. The residency is supposed to happen during summer 2021, everything is postponed at the moment, so we shall see and hope.
IG: @andreacircles
Website: www.andreaehret.com