Interview with Artist Andy Russell
We sat down with LoTempio Law displaying artist Andy Russell to ask him about his background, the inspiration for his work, and his advice for other artists.
What are you trying to accomplish as an artist?
My artwork is meant to portray perfect worlds of well-being in this hectic world that we live in. They are meant to soothe, calm, and even heal.
What is your background and how long have you been involved with the arts?
I have always liked art but never had any formal training. I have had such jobs as steel plant worker, field investigator for Equifax, Budget Rent a Car branch manager, and electronic parts sales.
In the mid 70’s after trying various self improvement techniques, I started to have dreams of incredible heavenly places. I had many of these, and after awhile I started to remember the various, foliage , architecture, colors, and the general feeling of them. I decided that I had to share this with as many people as I could. I taught myself to draw and paint to capture the essence of what I was experiencing. Starting off with colored pencils, then pastels, and finally acrylic paint I was able to become more and more proficient. I became a full time artist in 1992 and have never looked back.
What were some of your initial concerns as an artist?
My main concern as an artist was making a living at it. Through a combination of indoor and outdoor juried shows, commissions, and licensing, I was able to accomplish this.
As a sole proprietor in the arts, what type of lessons could you give to artists with new ideas as to how to bring their ideas to fruition?
To bring their ideas to fruition as a sole proprietor, an artist has to first of all work hard and always keep their goals in mind. It helps immensely to talk to other artists to get their opinions and to share information on their experiences in their careers. They can provide useful information and guidance, but always weigh what they say and make your own decisions.
Are you familiar with any of the laws regarding intellectual property, and how they affect your business?
It is helpful to read books and talk to other artists in regards to copyrights and licensing. You can get a general idea of things. It is always best to consult an attorney who specializes in intellectual property for specifics though before undertaking a project . This can save many headaches in the future.
To learn more about Andy Russell, please visit www.andyrussell.com.
To learn more about the University Heights Arts Association, please visit www.uhartsgroup.com/programs.
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